“So, we meet once more.”
That is straight out of a film script. The Boston Celtics face the Miami Warmth within the NBA Playoffs as soon as once more. It’s giving me a number of conflicting emotions.
On one hand, it is a excellent alternative for revenge. They knocked us out final yr and we are able to (and will) return the favor this yr. Maybe that motivation for revenge will stop this crew from getting overconfident and looking out previous the opponent the way in which they could have in going through the Chicago Bulls.
Alternatively, this Warmth crew is simply not excellent and with out Jimmy Butler, they need to barely register as a velocity bump to this yr’s model of the Celtics. Boston has a lot larger objectives on this yr’s playoffs they usually merely should do their job to advance to the following spherical. If something, they need to be targeted on making fast work of this sequence to allow them to relaxation and put together for the following one.
Picture by Jim Davis/The Boston Globe by way of Getty Pictures
On a metaphorical different hand, if the previous has taught us something, it’s to respect Erik Spoelstra. He’s going to throw all the pieces on the Celtics that he can consider. He’s going to maintain them on their toes and make issues fascinating. They could even steal a recreation if the Celtics get unfocused or have a nasty taking pictures night time. And oh boy will the recent takes move like lava over scorched earth. However this Celtics crew is prepared for it and if something, they may get some good “clutch time” reps early within the playoffs.
Then on Normal Grievous’ different metallic hand, the playoffs are lastly beginning. The most effective Celtics crew since 2009 has been coasting for over a month now. They lapped the sector and handled the final portion of the season as an prolonged observe. The lengthy checklist of stats that show how particular this crew was this season is enjoyable and all, however finally, none of that issues now. That was all prologue for what this season will likely be remembered for. The Celtics can lastly lock in and lengthen the X-wings into assault mode.
Win the title and so many narratives change eternally. That’s the one factor that issues at this level. There’s a lot expertise on this roster, too. The core of this crew is aware of how exhausting it’s to get near that aim and fall brief. Jrue Vacation is aware of how exhausting it’s to complete the job. Porzingis is aware of how exhausting it’s to win on this league so he’s prepared play any function to assist this crew win. Mazzulla would do something (and I imply something) to win a title.
This crew is prepared. They’ve one aim. The Warmth are simply the 1st step in direction of that aim.
Let’s go, Celtics!