Two players that are keeping the Celtics alive this season

Count Andover native Stephen Stapinski as one of the many Celtic fans who isn't too happy with his favorite basketball team this season. It looks like the Celtics are simply trying to survive, hanging on and off to that final playoff spot. Keeping the team alive are two players – Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.

Jayson Tatum has taken enormous strides as a player, offensive option, and leader over the past few years. He has come so far in such a short amount of time. In fact, according to Stephen Stapinski, it's rare to find someone so young with such a mature attitude toward the game. One would have to go back to the late great Kobe Bryant. Tatum's killer instinct is second to none, as he prefers to be the one to take the shot while the game is on the line. And truth be told, without him, the Celtics would be in a much deeper hole right now.

As essential to the team's current survival is the talented Jaylen Brown. Impressive on both ends of the floor, he is every bit as physically gifted as Tatum. He can score, defend, pass, and do the dirty work. He can go for 20 or more on any given night and provide the Celtics with a huge boost when defending their opponents' best players. He is another player the Celtics would not survive without.