The Boston Celtics continue to pass every test in the postseason

May 21, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (9) defends against Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) in over-time during game one of the eastern conference finals for the 2024 NBA playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
May 21, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (9) defends against Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) in over-time during game one of the eastern conference finals for the 2024 NBA playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports / David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
facebooktwitterreddit

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.

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.

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.