The Boston Celtics couldn’t get the job done in Game 1 against the Philadelphia 76ers, letting vintage James Harden take over to secure the win.
However, they made a huge statement with that bounce-back win in Game 2, dominating from start to finish and leading by double-digits for most of the game.
So, now that the series heads to the City of Brotherly Love for Games 3 and 4, Celtics legend Kevin Garnett expects a closer game and a much better effort from the home side, although he believes the Celtics will end up back on top.
After dominating Game 2, the @celtics look to continue their momentum down in Philly. 🏀🍀
Who’s your pick for Game 3 tonight?
Presented by @BetMGM. pic.twitter.com/fNbJAD7Q7w
— SHOWTIME Basketball (@shobasketball) May 5, 2023
The Celtics were the oddsmakers’ favorite to come out of the Eastern Conference, and for very good reasons.
They have arguably the best defense in the league, not to mention plenty of depth at every single position.
However, and regardless of having two of the best scorers in the game in Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, Joe Mazzulla’s team has failed to establish that dominance in the postseason, struggling to close the Atlanta Hawks out and then letting home-court advantage slip in Game 1 of this series.
They should still be able to come back and get the job done versus Doc Rivers’ team, especially given their long and well-documented postseason woes.
But this young Celtics team needs to stay focused, locked in, and bring their A-effort night in and night out for the remainder of the season, as playing half-heartedly won’t get the job done against any of the teams still in contention for the Larry O’Brien trophy.
