Comparing Boston’s 2 New Rivalries
Nope, it’s not the 1960’s, 1970’s, or even the late 2010’s anymore — it’s the beginning of a new era for Boston.
It’s actually 2017, and the Boston Celtics have two new enemies banging on their door. Although it’s weird to imagine, the Los Angeles Lakers are not among the two teams.
In fact, it’s actually the Washington Wizards and the Cleveland Cavaliers that are considered the new rivals of the Boston Celtics. Why? Well, let’s start from the previous postseason:
The Celtics faced off against both of these teams in the 2017 NBA Playoffs, defeating the Wizards 4-3 in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, and losing to the Cavaliers 4-1 in the Conference Finals.
More from Hardwood Houdini
- Boston Celtics’ two-way contract decision will be made after training camp
- Proposed trade sends Boston Celtics playoff killer to the Cs from rival
- ‘Face of Germany’s stunning run’ in FIBA World Cup not the only ex-Boston Celtics player to win gold
- Proposed Boston Celtics trade target pitched for reunion with fired coach
- Battle For Banner 18: Will Boston Celtics battle historical foe in 2024 Finals?
Both series demonstrated great competitiveness and effort, which only made the tension between Boston and the two teams greater. The Celtics barely squeezed by with a Game 7 victory over Washington. Sadly, they were nearly swept in the next series, taking just one win away from Cleveland.
The Wizards and Celtics had many minor fights throughout the entire series, so it’s safe to say the two teams did not enjoy each other’s presence. And with John Wall and Isaiah Thomas leading the charge for both teams, their matchup is sure to only strengthen the rivalry.
On the other hand, the Cavaliers embarrassed the Celtics in the Conference Finals (Thomas was hurt for most of the series, but that’s besides the point). Now, with Gordon Hayward joining Boston, LeBron James has yet another factor to consider when these two teams square up.
The big question is: Which rivalry is more important to Boston?
Many people will argue Cleveland because they’re the team that knocked the Celtics out of the playoffs last year. To this day, they stand as the dominant force in the East, but I would argue that Washington is more of an intense rivalry.
However, with the addition of Hayward this offseason, the Cavaliers rivalry could become more important, especially come next postseason where the two teams could possibly meet in the Conference Finals.
The Eastern Conference may not be as star-stacked as the West, but with these two new rivalries coming to formation, it could still make the East competitive. Possibly enough to where there would be no guaranteed of another Warriors and Cavaliers NBA Finals (and I’m sure most NBA fans are sick of that matchup).
Next: What Kind of Pressure is on Brad Stevens
By the way, I haven’t forgotten about teams that are on the rise in the East like Philadelphia or Milwaukee, but as I always say, that debate is for another day.