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3 Things We Learned From Game 7

By Harry Bachrach

May 10, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; A Boston Celtics fan reacts to the camera before the start of the game against the Washington Wizards in game five of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. The Celtics defeated the Wizards 123-101. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
May 10, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; A Boston Celtics fan reacts to the camera before the start of the game against the Washington Wizards in game five of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. The Celtics defeated the Wizards 123-101. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Celtics are in the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2012.

They will tip off against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday, May 17 at 8:30 p.m. at the TD Garden. Whether it is better to come into this series rested, like the Cavaliers, or with momentum, like the Celtics, is up for debate. Though there is not doubt either team is unhappy with where they stand. If you’re prediction for the upcoming series is based on the thrashing the Celtics took from the Cavaliers during the last meeting of the season, a lot has changed regarding the Celtics.

Brad Stevens Belongs In The NBA

Stevens is 1-0 in Game 7s, and while it barely qualifies as a sample size, consider the backlash had the Celtics lost. He’d be on the “hot seat” after losing control of the series.  He has wrestled the proverbial monkey off of his back in a big way by winning 2 playoff series this year, something he had yet to accomplish. He’s won the series with a roster often criticized for lacking scoring and a true superstar. In fact, one of the only positives mentioned about the Celtics was the depth of their rotation compared to the Washington Wizards shorter bench.

Stevens consistently proved during this series his ability to adapt to opposing team’s changes in play. We saw another crucial play style change from him in Game 7. The Celtics’ defense played off  John Wall instead of tightly guarding him as soon as he crossed half court, forcing Wall to rely on his jump shot.

Also, Stevens relied more heavily on Marcus Smart to guard John Wall and Bradley Beal. While Smart does not have the All-NBA defensive accolades of an Avery Bradley, he is a more physically imposing defender at 6’4″ and 220 pounds. Smart made winning plays on both ends of the floor, most notably on defense stripping Wall on a fast break and shutting down Beal on isolation plays. Smart ended the game tied with a team plus/minus rating of plus 14 after playing his most minutes of the series.

Isaiah Thomas Can Carry A Team In The Playoffs

The Celtics can win with Isaiah Thomas as a go-to option on offense. We know from Thomas that Paul Pierce told him winning is hard and isn’t for everybody, but after Game 7 we know winning is for Isaiah Thomas. Thomas proved in the biggest game of the season that “IT Time” can now be synonymous with crunch time. Thomas hit 2 pivotal threes late down the stretch to all but sink the Wizards’ hopes of winning the series.

Perhaps the most impressive part of Thomas’ play in Game 7 was his 12 assists, a series high for him. Thomas was tightly covered and routinely made the correct pass out of the trap or double team to find the open man. Kenny Smith made this assessment during half time as a key for the Celtics to continue playing winning basketball in the playoffs. Before, we’ve seen Thomas force a contested shot or swing the ball around the perimeter. While swinging the ball is a good option, passing to a cutting Kelly Olynyk or Avery Bradley is a much more effective play.

Kelly Olynyk’s Aggressive Brand Of Basketball

I wrote about the need for Olynyk to be aggressive about a week ago and it seems he heard me. Olynyk played his best in the biggest game of his career. He scored 26 points in 28 minutes off of the bench, shooting 10-14 from the field. Along with Thomas and Smart, it was his late game play that was most valuable. With 6 minutes and 28 seconds to go, Olynyk hit a three to push the Celtics lead to 8, and again with under 4 minutes in regulation, he hit a three that pushed the lead to 10. Though he wasn’t just a jump shooter, converting on numerous drives to the basket and finishing in the post.

For a player who was heavily scrutinized in beginning of the series for being a dirty player, he gave people a new moment to remember. Olynyk should and needs to build on this momentum as the Cavaliers have a deeper bench than the Wizards, including a similar player in Channing Frye. Plus, after this season he is a restricted free agent and this Game 7 will give Danny Ainge pause before choosing not to bring him back.

Next: Quit Counting the Celtics Out

The series against the Wizards proved the Celtics belong to be a 1 or 2 seed in the East. Playoff series can be test of star power and Thomas showed he can duel with John Wall. Looking ahead to the Eastern Conference Finals, Thomas and the Celtics will have a much greater star to out duel in LeBron James.

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