Celtics on the Verge of 18th NBA Championship
As the Boston Celtics hold a commanding 3-0 lead in the NBA Finals, anticipation is building for their potential 18th championship. However, the players and coach are staying focused on the fundamentals of the game, recognizing that the closeout game can be the most challenging to win.
Boston coach Jue Mazzulla acknowledges the team’s vulnerability in this situation, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a sense of urgency. The Celtics must understand their environment and recognize that they are just as vulnerable as any other team in this position. How they handle this vulnerability will ultimately determine their fate in the Finals.
The Celtics started strong by winning the first two games at home, giving them a 2-0 series lead on the road. However, shortly before Game 3, it was confirmed that star player Kristaps Porzingis would not be able to play due to a rare leg injury. Mazzulla expresses the team’s commitment to protecting Porzingis and making decisions that are in his best interest as both a player and a person.
In Porzingis’ absence, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown stepped up for the Celtics, combining for an impressive 61 points in their Game 3 victory over the Mavericks. These performances highlight the depth and strength of the Celtics’ roster.
The Celtics’ hunger for another championship is evident, as they are not satisfied with their current 3-0 lead. Despite being on the verge of securing the title, no one on the team is celebrating prematurely. They believe there is still more they can do and more they want to achieve.
Boston center Al Horford emphasizes that he is solely focused on the task at hand and understands that nothing is given in basketball. He remains grounded and committed to the process, avoiding any visualization of potential celebrations until the job is done.
Game 4 is set to take place in Dallas, with tipoff at 8:30 p.m. A victory in this game would not only secure the Celtics’ first NBA title since 2008 but also make history as just the 10th sweep in NBA Finals history. The Celtics achieved their first sweep in the franchise’s history back in 1959 against the Minneapolis Lakers.
In conclusion, the Celtics are on the brink of their 18th NBA championship, displaying a focused and determined mindset. While the team acknowledges their vulnerability, they are prepared to face any challenges that come their way. With star players stepping up in the absence of Porzingis, the Celtics have shown their depth and resilience. Their hunger for success drives them to continue pushing for more, even with a commanding lead. As they approach Game 4, they remain fully committed to the task at hand, understanding that nothing is guaranteed in the world of basketball.
