The Boston Celtics are set to take on the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Finals. Game 1 tips off on Thursday night and fans are on the edge of their seats in anticipation. Leading up to the contest, NBA legend, Kevin Garnett, goes on a rant that will fire up the entire city of Boston.
During a segment on the All the Smoke podcast, Garnett hyped up the Celtics franchise. The Hall of Famer noticed this year's team didn't celebrate too heavily after winning the Eastern Conference Championship. Instead, Boston kept their eye on the prize and Kevin Garnett took notice.
“Listen man when you're in the fraternity man you understand the bylaws, you understand the mentality. You know I didn't see any of those guys grab the ball when they won the Eastern Conference Finals, they wasn't really hoo-rahing. That ain't really Celtic culture. The Eastern Conference is the path, you got to go through the path but you don't celebrate until you hoist the Larry O'Brien and that's that's law.”
The Celtics have been the top team in the NBA all season long. They earned the No. 1 seed of the Eastern Conference and essentially ran through the playoffs. It's championship or bust for Boston as the franchise aims to win its first championship since 2008.
It's also one of the most winningest sports franchises in American sports history. So, the fact Kevin Garnett is mentioning the history ahead of the NBA Finals makes sense. Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and the entire roster have a ton pressure to live up to that Celtics history.
How the Celtics take Game 1 over the Mavericks
The Mavericks have made a brilliant run to the NBA Finals with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving leading the way. Both players have been playing out of their mind and they've been a fantastic duo. So, the Celtics will have their hands full in this series.
Considering how good Doncic and Irving are offensively, it's hard to imagine Boston actually lock them down. Instead, the Celtics would be wise to shut down the role players who have stepped up big throughout the postseason.
Keeping Dereck Lively II off the glass will be a necessity if Boston hopes to beat the Mavericks. Additionally, preventing PJ Washington from getting how will be essential as well. If the Celtics can limit the supporting cast around Doncic and Irving then their chances to win Game 1 drastically improves.
Offensively, the Celtics have to continue relying on Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. They've been fantastic throughout the playoffs and that should continue on Thursday night. Kristaps Porzingis might just be the X-Factor in this game though, as his presence will open up the floor nicely for Boston.
The Celtics have everything they need to win a championship. Scoring, defense, and chemistry is all near the top of the league. So, make sure to tune into Game 1 at 8:30 P.M. Eastern on ABC.
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