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Boston Celtics Understand how Fragile 2-0 Can be

By Joshua Bateman

BOSTON, MA - MARCH 31: Jaylen Brown #7 talks to head coach Brad Stevens of the Boston Celtics during a gem against the Toronto Raptors at TD Garden on March 31, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - MARCH 31: Jaylen Brown #7 talks to head coach Brad Stevens of the Boston Celtics during a gem against the Toronto Raptors at TD Garden on March 31, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /
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The Boston Celtics know that a 2-0 lead can mean very little in a series

The Boston Celtics are uncharacteristically young for a number two seed in the playoffs, but they are far from the least experienced team. Jaylen Brown, Terry Rozier and Al Horford all have great playoff experience, and they are all too familiar with what can happen with a 2-0 lead.

Last year, the Celtics were on both sides of it. They went down 2-0 against the Chicago Bulls, then battled their way back and won the series. In the second round, they went up 2-0 against the Washington Wizards, and had to close them out in game seven.

The Celtics are not going to be the team that gets caught off guard because of over confidence with a 2-0 lead, because they know they cannot win if they do not bring their absolute best effort, playing like their backs are against the walls at all times.

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The Celtics are proving that they have one of the most special young cores of players in the NBA, and it has a lot more to do that just their raw talent. Brad Stevens has brought them all together in a special way, and they are battle tested in a way that very few teams in the East are.

Stevens will always make sure that the Celtics are as prepared as possible, but they really do not need a reminder of how important it is to avoid losing in Milwaukee. You always hear that a series does not start until a home team loses a game. The Celtics have been phenomenal on the road this season, and they know what a different it makes getting the 3-0 series lead.

The Celtics did what was expected of them by protecting home court, but they understand how important consistency is. Last playoffs, there were unbelievable runs in every single game, and the Celtics struggled to string together multiple impressive performances.

The Celtics have experienced how dangerous it can get if you do not maintain the high level of play, ensuring they will come out with the same mentality in game three, that they had in game two.

The Celtics have already changed some expectations with these first two games in the series, but getting that 3-0 will make a bigger difference. The Celtics know they are capable of making this series quick, but a 2-0 lead is not enough to be confident that the series will be short.

Next: Shane Larkin continues to produce for Boston

That third straight victory, on the other hand, makes all the difference, because it would be foolish to expect any team to actually blow a 3-0 lead.

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