Boston Celtics: C’s need to play with an edge in Eastern Conference Finals

The Boston Celtics were coming off a blowout win in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the defending champion Milwaukee Bucks prior to Tuesday’s bout in South Beach.

The C’s are back in the Conference Finals and in the same position that they were two years ago when they lost in 6 games to the Miami Heat. This time needs to be different as they need to play with an edge and get revenge on the Miami Heat.

Derrick White’s comments in his press conference the other day are important for the overall approach of the team, as he said:

"“They were disappointed they lost, but they’re looking to get some payback for that and I’m happy to be a part of that.”"

Revenge should be driving this team because all great teams breakthrough by beating opponents that have already beaten them in the playoffs.

This year’s Eastern Conference Finals needs to be different for the Boston Celtics, and it starts with their mindset.

The Celtics came into this series with a chip on their shoulder as they have been counted out all year. They are battle-tested after two tremendous series against elite players in Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo.

The C’s need to show their growth in this series and Jaylen Brown is leading the charge. Brown said after Game 7:

"“This time around we have the poise to get it done. But Miami is a really tough team. Team full of dogs. They’re gonna be ready, but so are we.”"

Mental toughness is going to be the most important thing for the C’s in this series as it is the only advantage the Heat had in the bubble series and, after Game 1’s defeat, they’re really going to need it to try and even the series in Game 2, thus stealing home-court advantage away from their top-seeded foe.

The Heat punked the Celtics in the bubble back in 2020, as they got under their skin and they took them out of their game. Boston needs to be stronger in this series and can’t let the little things get in their head.

This matchup is a great one for the shamrocks because they have the talent advantage, so as long as they stay locked in mentally, they should be able to make it to their first NBA finals in 12 years.

Overall in this series, I want to see the Boston Celtics play with some edge and be the team that sets the tone. I want them to be the tougher team this series because it will go a long way in setting them up for a Finals berth.

Obviously, Miami got the best of them in this department to kick things off. Now, moving forward, Ime Udoka’s squad has to give them a taste of their own medicine.