When the Boston Celtics were trailing 117-114 in Game 1 against the Indiana Pacers with mere seconds to go, I think most fans assumed the game was over. It was simply going to be another home letdown and a Game 1 disaster class for the Cs.
Instead, Jaylen Brown used the jaws of life in the closing seconds of the fourth quarter to save the Celtics and ignite new life.
The Celtics would go on to win 133-128, proving that they can battle through adversity. Most importantly, the Cs continue to pass every test, highlighting that this may be the year they break through with a title.
When you break down the Celtics this postseason, they have been pretty good. Say what you will about the Celtic's effort/execution at times, they have simply taken care of business, which is all that matters. After dropping Game 2 in the first and second rounds, the Cs preceded to win three straight to take the series.
BREAKING: The 2023-24 Boston Celtics are the only team in NBA history to have opened a playoff run 9-2, been second in offensive rating and third in defensive rating among the 16 postseason teams, and been talked about as if they’re doing everything wrong https://t.co/Ip2wBAv9Hw
— Marc D'Amico (@Marc_DAmico) May 22, 2024
In the past, the Celtics would have without question not finished those series in five games. They would have messed around and let them go to six or seven. The fact that the Celtics have learned from past mistakes and are taking care of business when needed is huge. It allows them to be the freshest team left in the playoffs.
National media still won't give credit to the Boston Celtics despite playoff success
Despite the Celtic's impressive 9-2 record this postseason, the national media seems to turn a blind eye to it and question the C's merit. I’m not sitting here saying they need to say the Celtics are one of the greatest teams ever, but more respect should be given to them. The Celtics have done everything that has been asked of them and have shown that they have grown in the most important areas.
The latest example of the "can't lose a game tax" morphing into the "you're not winning how we want you to win" agenda
— Dan Greenberg (@StoolGreenie) May 22, 2024
Even when the Celtics win, they are talked about as if they lose https://t.co/heo8W4NIaf
There is no doubt in my mind that previous Cs teams would have lost in Game 1 to the Pacers because I’ve seen it many times. The fact that the Celtics pulled it out in the fashion they did tells you everything you need to know about the overall makeup of the squad.
The resilience the Cs showed is going to come in handy in a potential NBA Finals matchup with the gritty Dallas Mavericks or Minnesota Timberwolves.