The Boston Celtics and Golden State Warriors are tied in the NBA Finals with one win each after a 107-88 victory for the Warriors in Game 2.
According to an ESPN poll, heading into the series, the Celtics came in as a surprising 84% BPI favorite over the Warriors. While this overwhelming favor was not expected, what’s even more shocking is Boston’s dominance when viewing this past season.
Resilience
In Game 1, the Celtics made NBA history when they became the first team to win despite being down double digits heading into the fourth quarter.
The Celtics did this behind an impressive 40-16 scoring run over a Warriors team filled with championship experience. The Warriors having made the finals six out of the previous eight seasons. This comeback also gave Golden State their first loss at home in these playoffs.
The comeback win for Boston was impressive. However, this was not the first time this Celtics team has shown their perseverance. Earlier this season in January, Boston was the 11th seed in the eastern conference and their chances of making the playoffs were in jeopardy.
A Wave of Dominance
With their playoff hopes on the line, the Celtics responded in a serious fashion. Since the month of February, the Celtics have posted an impressive record of 38 wins and only 13 losses.
Boston has also been incredibly consistent in their wins having only lost back-to-back games once since February. In one of those losses Boston also rested four of their starters. The Celtics rode this momentum to an NBA Finals appearance.
Best Defensive Team in the NBA
The key for the Celtics going from one of the worst teams in the eastern conference to the best has been through their excellence on defense.
The Celtics rank first in NBA team opponent points per game with 103.3 points according to StatMuse. Boston also has been excellent in guarding the perimeter as they rank first in NBA three-point defensive ratings.
Boston’s defense has been extremely well-rounded with every member of their starting lineup receiving a vote for the All-NBA defensive team. The Celtics also stuffed the stat sheets this postseason defensively.
After Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals, the defensive playoff stat leaders were filled with Celtics players.
Marcus Smart was first in charges drawn. Jaylen Brown placed first in loose balls recovered. Jayson Tatum was first in deflections. Al Horford was first in shots contested and Robert Williams the third was first in blocks per 36 minutes.
Marcus Smart has been the anchor of this defense and was rewarded during the regular season by bringing home the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award.
What’s Next
While the Celtics have had an impressive season their ultimate goal has still not been reached. Boston is three wins away from having their first NBA Championship since the 2008 season. The Celtics will look to take a series lead in Game 3 of the NBA Finals versus the Warriors on June 8th at 6 p.m. EST.
