Hardwood Houdini
Fansided

Could the Boston Celtics Compete with the Warriors in a Seven Game Series?

By Jesse Cinquini

OAKLAND, CA - JANUARY 27: Kyrie Irving #11 and Marcus Morris #13 of the Boston Celtics exchange a hand shakes during the game against the Golden State Warriors on January 27, 2018 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - JANUARY 27: Kyrie Irving #11 and Marcus Morris #13 of the Boston Celtics exchange a hand shakes during the game against the Golden State Warriors on January 27, 2018 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The historically talented Golden State Warriors are the clear title favorites heading into next season. How do the Boston Celtics match up with the Warriors, and would a series between these two teams be competitive?

At this point in time, it seems that the Boston Celtics and Golden State Warriors are destined to meet in the NBA Finals next June. Golden State shocked the basketball world by signing star big man DeMarcus Cousins to a one year deal this offseason.

This move greatly decreases the likelihood of them being upset in the playoffs by teams like the Rockets and Lakers.

Now in the East, LeBron James joining the Lakers makes the path to the Finals much easier for Boston. There are still talented teams in the conference like the Bucks and Sixers, but the Celtics are the clear favorites.

More from Hardwood Houdini

With Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward returning next season, the Boston Celtics could steamroll through the East.

If the expected became a reality and these teams met in June, how do the Boston Celtics match up? To sum it up in a few words, better than any other team in basketball.

Boston is a team comprised of long and athletic forwards to go along with pesky defensive guards. Along with their versatility defensively, the Celtics also spread the floor as well as any team in the NBA. Brad Stevens often has lineups on the floor where all five players can shoot three pointers, which is a nightmare to defend.

Over the last few regular seasons, the Celtics overall have played tremendously well against the Warriors. Defensively, players like Marcus Smart and Terry Rozier do a tremendous job of harassing the deadly Golden State backcourt of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. On the other side of the ball, the Celtics have played very disciplined basketball and have been successful when playing with space.

Next: Easy for Celtics fans to rooit for Isaiah Thomas

Overall, Boston’s style of play and high level of talent would make for a competitive series with Golden State. Surely they would not be favorites but this team has what it takes to make things very interesting. Expect to see a highly competitive and very entertaining NBA Finals next summer.

Home/Celtics News