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"We want Boston!" chants could be heard surrounding the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse after an exhilarating comeback by the Cavs in game seven against Orlando. Well, you got 'em. Let's check in on the Boston Celtics after their assertive game-one victory over Cleveland.
By Spencer Galloway | May 8th, 2024
Photo by Winslow Townson/USA Today Sports
With only one day of rest after beating a lively and maybe a little in-over-their-heads Orlando Magic squad, the Cavs promptly traveled to Boston to face their inevitable fate. Getting handed a 25-point loss to a Kristaps-less Celtics squad that saw probably the worst game Jayson Tatum will turn in the remainder of this series is, not the best way to kick the series off for Cleveland, putting it lightly. That is, however, just what we should expect of this Boston team at this point. Outside of a mind-boggling loss to a Miami Heat team (one in which casual fans would struggle to name three players that were suited up for), Boston has very neatly and casually dominated this playoffs so far.
The Celtics are a special squad that need not rely on any one player for their success. Unlike most teams that have All-NBA talent atop their rosters, Brad Stevens has been able to add valuable pieces to the Boston bench, giving them a notably deep and flexible rotation. How many other teams in this playoffs could lose a 20+ PPG scorer and not miss a beat? The Celtics without Kristaps Porzingis look much more similar to the squad that earned them the 2nd seed in the East last year, but this time with Jrue Holiday in lieu of Marcus Smart. Add in the fact that head coach Joe Mazzulla has double the career experience, with players such as Derrick White, Payton Pritchard, and Sam Hauser all making considerable leaps this year, and you have the East's deepest, scariest team.
As for the 6'8" ESPN talking point, yes, Jayson Tatum must re-assert himself as one of the league's premier scoring talents going forward. Just, maybe not quite yet. Thus far in these playoffs, Tatum is averaging just over 21 points per game, down from his almost 27 per game in the regular season. There are a few causes for this, such as more defensive focus being placed on him, as he is almost always the fixation of at least two defenders' gaze. He has also doubled down on his willingness to defer to his incredibly talented supporting cast and is flexing his muscle as a much-improved playmaker, all while providing terrific defense both on and off the ball.
Tatum left his mark in game one against Cleveland, leading the C's in rebounds (11), assists (5), and blocks (3).
Via NBA.com.
Jayson may not strike up many similarities to some of the league's traditional point guards upon first look, but he has the point guard-esque mindset of getting his other teammates involved first, knowing that he can flip the switch later in the game if and when he needs to. For as long as the Celtics continue to jump out to double-digit leads early on off the backs of stupendous play from Derrick White and company, it becomes difficult for Tatum to forcefully insert himself without it junking up the otherwise buttery-smooth Celtic offense. Playing within the flow of the offense, or "letting the game come to you" is a skill within itself that does not ring loudly inside of box scores, or Instagram comment sections.
I generally do not encourage forcing the issue, or as some may say "shot-chucking", but the Celtics will need the 30 points per game, 51 points against Philly in game seven, 48 in Milwaukee to force game seven, monster that lies inside of Jayson Tatum if they wish to put a ring on this incredible season. They just may not need it until the competition gets stiffer. Most likely stiffer than that of New York or Indiana, even.
It is no secret that a lot has broken right for Boston in these playoffs. Trust me, everyone has made that point on TV since the start of round one. We got it. However, it doesn't take away from what they've done to get to this point. You don't stumble into 64 wins, or just have things break right for you to win the conference by 14(!) games. At some point, the Celtics will be pushed by another team in these playoffs. It may not be until the NBA Finals, but that is a testament to what has been brewing in Beantown since the 2016 draft. (One may argue since Brad Stevens joined the franchise as head coach in 2013.)
It may seem like news to ESPN and talking heads alike that the Celtics are this good, but if you ask Boston, this is just par for the course for one of the best NBA seasons in recent history. A championship would validate this as one of the best seasons of all time, the Celtics know that and will do anything in their power to make that a reality. So, to future fanbases with the opportunity to chant those famous last words "WE WANT BOSTON", be careful what you wish for.