The nationwide narrative surrounding the Celtics is that they’ve had a simple path to the NBA Finals.
In actual fact, some analysts have even stated Boston wouldn’t get previous the Dallas Mavericks or Minnesota Timberwolves, no matter which crew got here out of the Western Convention.
The Celtics made fast work of the Indiana Pacers and waited till Thursday night time to search out out they might, in truth, be battling the Mavericks for the title.
Regardless of the narrative, Boston swept the 2 regular-season conferences between the golf equipment. The playoffs are positively extra intense than regular-season matchups, however the Celtics beat the Mavs 119-110 within the January 22 assembly with out Kristaps Porzingis within the lineup and 138-110 with the Boston heart. Excellent news for the C’s — Porzingis returned to observe on Saturday for the primary time since Recreation 4 of the primary spherical towards the Miami Warmth.
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To get previous the Mavericks, Derrick White should put his All-Defensive Second Crew expertise on show that helped Boston type the most effective defensive backcourt within the league. Together with Jrue Vacation and Jaylen Brown, White will greater than probably be tasked with guarding the dynamic duo of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.
White is excited for the problem of guarding the pair of world-class scorers.
“That’s the enjoyable factor about being a guard within the NBA,” White stated on Saturday, per NBA-provided video. “Each night time, it’s someone completely different, and clearly, Kyrie and Luka are on the high of that checklist. That is what you need. You wish to play. That is what you dream about as a child. It’s the NBA Finals; it’s going to be a problem. We simply acquired to be up for it, and it’s gonna be plenty of enjoyable.”
In Recreation 3 of the Japanese Convention finals, White confirmed precisely why he’s the most effective shot-blocking guard within the NBA. He grew to become simply the third guard in NBA historical past with four-plus blocks in a convention finals sport, becoming a member of Dwayne Wade and Jim Jackson.
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The Celtics will host the Mavericks on June 6 for Recreation 1. Tip-off from TD Backyard is about for 8:30 p.m. ET and can air on ABC.
