Police and city officials are gearing up for Game 5 of the NBA Finals between the Dallas Mavericks and the Boston Celtics with a potential for Boston to clinch their record-setting 18th NBA championship.
As part of the preparations, they are implementing a road closure plan in the vicinity of TD Garden.
All of Causeway Street and connecting streets to New Chardon Street will be closed to vehicles and pedestrians after the first quarter of the Celtics game. This closure is being implemented earlier than it was during Game 4 in Dallas and encompasses a larger area.
Boston is ready for a celebration
“Boston's Finest are leaving nothing to chance and already all along Causeway and all the feeder streets are guard rails. Boston Police and the Liquor Commission are telling the locals here that you cannot go into a bar after halftime I believe, if you're already in a bar you can stay, but you can't go into one after halftime,” said Joe Vardon of the Athletic at the Rich Eisen Show.
“They're also trying to clear the streets immediately around the arena. There was a big crowd down here in Game 4 while we were all in Dallas and it made him nervous. There was a huge police force here Game 4 I'm told and so tonight yeah I mean as of yesterday the bar owners from here all the way past the North End all the way into the center of the city they were all told about you know closing your doors to new customers, like preparing for craziness in the event of a celebration.” Vardon continued.
The Celtics return to Boston with a 3-1 series lead, despite suffering a 122-84 loss to the Mavericks on Friday.
Despite the blowout Game 4 loss in Dallas, there weren't many positives for the Celtics. However, one thing remains unchanged – Boston is still just one game away from an NBA championship.
Different mentalities for the Mavericks and the Celtics
Celtic coach Joe Mazzulla reminded the team that even after the loss, they still have two more chances to clinch the title.
“We don’t like to lose,” Celtics guard Jaylen Brown said on Sunday before practice.
“I think we are ready for Game 5. I think that’s the best answer that I’ve got. I think that we’re ready. We’re at home. And we’re looking forward to it,” he continued.
The Celtics dominated the regular season with the best record in the NBA and excelled even further in the playoffs, winning 15 of their first 17 games without trailing in any series. They jumped to a 3-0 lead over Dallas, but the Mavericks staved off elimination with a 122-84 victory on Friday night, marking the third-largest blowout in Finals history.
This set up a return to Boston, where the Celtics will attempt once more to secure their record-breaking 18th NBA title, and their first since 2008.
Boston's Game 4 defeat halted their franchise-best 10-game winning streak in the postseason (and also broke Kyrie Irving's 13-game losing streak against his former team). Prior to this, Boston had a perfect 3-0 record in potential elimination games during these playoffs.
However, the Celtics are aware — and Dallas surely is too — that they still have three more opportunities to secure the series win.
No NBA team has ever overcome a 3-0 deficit in a playoff series. If the Mavericks win Game 5, Game 6 will take place in Dallas on Thursday, with a potential decisive Game 7 in Boston on Sunday.
If the Celtics win tonight, it’s going to be pandemonium in Boston.
Follow Us
Subscribe