The undermanned Boston Celtics managed to squeak out of a Game 7 against the young and feisty Milwaukee Bucks, penciling another best-of-seven affair with one of the NBA's hottest teams in the Philadelphia 76ers — revitalizing a classic rivalry, with both teams' direction finally intersecting in this Eastern Conference Finals matchup.
The Sixers had dethroned the Celtics in 1967, becoming the first genuine rival for the dynasty in the making. They would go on to win the next two championships after that, under player-coach Bill Russell. The rivalry was then renewed in the '80s with Larry Bird and Julius Erving taking the stage.
Now, the tilt presents a much different situation, as the Celtics are without Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward, while the Sixers boast two of the most exciting young prospects in star Joel Embiid and rookie Ben Simmons.
“Embiid is special and everybody knows that,” said Celtics coach Brad Stevens, according to Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe. “You’re not going to be able to guard him with one guy. You’re not always going to stop him making shots.”
Celtics players are aware of the daunting task that is taking down a young team riding such high momentum after disposing of the Miami Heat 4-1 in the first round.
“They’re the best team in transition; they just make you pay,” said center Al Horford, who will draw the matchup with Embiid. “It’s a challenge going against them. All year we matched up big on [Simmons]. You can’t put a guard on him. I’m sure we’ll mix it up throughout the series. Ben just has that ability to distribute the ball really well. His ability to read defenses, it’s just impressive for a rookie to have that kind of poise and do that.”
If the Celtics have another trick under their sleeve, this will surely be the time to pull it off, after gaining some steam following the return of Marcus Smart from a thumb ligament injury that kept him out for the latter end of the season and the first four games of the playoffs.
Follow Us
Subscribe