The Boston Celtics came a game short of reaching the NBA Finals last season. In order to make that goal come true, franchise legend Paul Pierce claims the team will need two special factors to reach the biggest stage in the NBA postseason, according to Brian Robb of The Boston Sports Journal.
“Obviously, based on what they've been able to do over the last couple of years and being a year smarter, a year older, a year more experienced, I think it's time for them to take the next step,” Pierce said. “It's about being good, but also about being lucky. I think if they stay healthy, I see them being in the Finals, especially with LeBron being in the Western Conference.”
The East is now considered a wide-open playing field after LeBron James relinquished his stronghold in the conference after 15 years, 13 of which he was a staple in the playoffs.
The Celtics will have to compete with the Toronto Raptors and Philadelphia 76ers for that throne, but it should prove a doable task as long as they don't face a freak injury like the one Gordon Hayward suffered in last year's season opener and if Kyrie Irving's knee doesn't act up during this 2018-19 season.
Pierce knows a long postseason run is dependent not only on talent, but also luck with the team's health and confidence heading to the last stretch, as an 82-game regular season often takes its toll on players' bodies. He also knows that sacrifice will be key for the Celtics given all the talent in place.
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