“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 will (and will) return the favor this yr. Maybe that motivation for revenge will forestall this staff from getting overconfident and searching previous the opponent the best way they could have in dealing with the Chicago Bulls.
However, this Warmth staff is simply not excellent and with out Jimmy Butler, they need to barely register as a pace bump to this yr’s model of the Celtics. Boston has a lot better objectives on this yr’s playoffs they usually merely need to do their job to advance to the subsequent spherical. If something, they need to be centered on making fast work of this sequence to allow them to relaxation and put together for the subsequent one.
Photograph 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 things on the Celtics that he can consider. He’s going to maintain them on their toes and make issues fascinating. They may even steal a recreation if the Celtics get unfocused or have a nasty capturing night time. And oh boy will the recent takes circulation like lava over scorched earth. However this Celtics staff 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. One of the best Celtics staff since 2009 has been coasting for over a month now. They lapped the sphere and handled the final portion of the season as an prolonged observe. The lengthy listing of stats that show how particular this staff was this season is enjoyable and all, however finally, none of that issues now. That was all prologue for what this season shall 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 staff is aware of how onerous it’s to get near that purpose and fall quick. Jrue Vacation is aware of how onerous it’s to complete the job. Porzingis is aware of how onerous it’s to win on this league so he’s prepared play any position to assist this staff win. Mazzulla would do something (and I imply something) to win a title.
This staff is prepared. They’ve one purpose. The Warmth are simply the first step in direction of that purpose.
Let’s go, Celtics!
