Kendrick Perkins made waves again with his latest bold take, declaring that “nobody” can beat the Boston Celtics in the NBA playoffs. In typical Perkins fashion, he served up his opinion with a side of spice, saying, “I have a better chance of finding a salad in a donut shop… It’s not happening.” The quote has gone viral for its humor and hyperbole, but behind the joke lies a serious belief: Perkins thinks this Celtics team is simply too dominant for anyone to take them down.
Let’s break down why he might feel this way—and whether there’s any merit to the statement.
The Celtics’ 2024-2025 Dominance
Boston’s regular season has been nothing short of spectacular. The Celtics have showcased a league-best record, elite defense, and a roster that seems deeper than any in recent memory. With Jayson Tatum continuing his rise as an MVP-caliber superstar, and Jaylen Brown providing consistent two-way excellence, the Celtics’ core is firing on all cylinders.
Add in the veteran leadership and scoring punch of Jrue Holiday, the rim protection of Kristaps Porziņģis, and a bench that includes players like Al Horford and Derrick White, and you have a team that doesn’t really have any glaring weaknesses. Their defense can switch everything, they can go big or small, and they’ve been executing late in games with poise and purpose.
Kendrick Perkins’ Celtics Loyalty
It’s no secret that Kendrick Perkins is a Celtics loyalist. He won a championship with Boston in 2008 and has never shied away from rooting for his former team. But even accounting for bias, Perkins isn’t alone in this take. Many analysts agree that Boston is the most complete team heading into the playoffs. They’ve handled the top contenders in both conferences during the regular season and have rarely looked vulnerable.
Perkins’ metaphor about the salad in a donut shop isn’t just about flair—it’s about confidence. He’s saying it’s that unlikely for anyone to beat the Celtics in a seven-game series.
But… Is Nobody Really a Threat?
Let’s be real—nobody is a strong word in the NBA, where upsets happen and no lead is ever safe. The Milwaukee Bucks, with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, are still a looming threat. The Philadelphia 76ers could be dangerous if Joel Embiid is healthy and rolling. In the West, the Denver Nuggets remain a force with Nikola Jokić, and the Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors, or even the Los Angeles Clippers could catch fire at the right time.
So while Boston is the favorite on paper, it’s not outrageous to suggest that someone could challenge them—especially in the later rounds of the playoffs where injuries, fatigue, or just a bad shooting stretch can swing a series.
A Statement of Confidence, Not Certainty
Perkins’ comment is best viewed as a statement of confidence, not a guarantee. And confidence in Boston is well-earned this year. They’ve answered just about every question posed to them, from clutch performance to handling adversity. They look hungry, balanced, and focused—qualities you need in a championship run.
So while it might be a stretch to say “nobody” can beat them, it’s fair to say this version of the Celtics might be the toughest out in the NBA. The road to the title will go through Boston, and anyone hoping to knock them off will need to play their absolute best—night after night.
Until then, don’t be surprised if Perkins keeps doubling down—and don’t expect to find that salad in the donut shop any time soon.
