On the contrary, I think in a 7-game series Brad Stevens' defense will bring the Cavaliers offense to a grinding halt and I just don't see anyone stepping up to be the #2 behind LeBron like Kyrie was. Still, a long season to go, but playoff Celtics are legit because of coaching and depth.
If they go on a winning streak that reaches 15+, sure. But if they wind up with the 3rd best record in the East when all is said and done while the Rockets continue to compete with the Warriors for the best record in the entire league, it would be a travesty for Harden to finish 2nd yet again.
An accurate way to describe the Celts is "better than average". Their offense just does not measure up and they are prone to major lapses in defensive effort (especially early in games). In the final 2-3 mins, Kyrie has been great but he's been slipping recently. Brad Stevens is incredible at calling plays when the game is on the line. The deception/misdirection he uses to bait defenses is a thing of beauty. It's Pop-like. It works both ways. When opponents game-plan against the Celts offense in the playoffs, they will be in trouble IMO. So often they work hard for a good shot but whoever shoots will catch iron. Specifically regarding the Cavs, they are a work in progress. Without Kyrie, I agree it should be harder for them to win in the playoff. We will see. The Cavs' trades just made the EC a lot more interesting.
they'd both lose to the raptors. raptors have been blowing teams out, have the best record in the east, and are top 5 in offensive and defensive efficiency. Too many people are sleeping on them.
Pierce retirement day and all I can think of is good freaking riddance. One of the most annoying arrogant overhyped players in the league. I will not miss him.
Nah mayne. I'm not into stereotypes about teams. Most of the stats say the raptors are for real so I'm going to trust that. They might just make the finals this year
Honestly, if they don't get there this year, they won't ever get there with the Lowry-Derozan duo. They're catching Cleveland on a down year, Boston without Hayward and Milwaukee with a Giannis who is already a superstar, but doesn't know how to win out. Assuming LeBron stays in Cleveland, those 3 teams will be at full power. next year. And Toronto will be screwed.
I think this is their year to break through and make the finals. Maybe next year if lebron goes west but this year is probably their best shot. It's criminal how much they are slept on IMO. They have the best record in the conference and a top 5 offense and top 5 defense. They've been blowing teams out.
lulz at the media drama surrounding the Celtics scheduling a tribute to IT and Pierce on the same day,,,then IT gets traded by CLE to make all for naught.
