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Savoring an important checkpoint on Celtics’ quest for Banner 18 originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
There is one very obvious goal for the 2023-24 Boston Celtics. So, despite the overwhelming success this team has enjoyed in winning 72 of 92 games over the past 204 days, it’s easy to get caught up in what’s next instead of savoring the smaller triumphs along the way.
The Celtics completed their second gentleman’s sweep of the 2024 playoffs on Wednesday night, ending the Cleveland Cavaliers’ season with a Game 5 victory inside TD Garden. The series undeniably lacked for drama, with the Celtics dominating an undermanned Cavaliers squad outside a Game 2 stumble at home.
But the emotions that poured out at the end of Game 5 were a friendly reminder that we shouldn’t take this for granted. Sure, it only seems like the Celtics have a standing reservation in the Eastern Conference Finals. Jaylen Brown is about to play in that round for the sixth time in eight years. But getting to this point is never promised.
Winning eight playoff games is an accomplishment, even if we’ll only judge the Celtics season a success if they win eight more.
Such is the burden of success. But given that the Celtics will have at least three days off — and maybe as much as five — while waiting for their next opponent, there is an opportunity to briefly appreciate their playoff dominance through two rounds.
For maybe the first time this postseason, TD Garden truly purred with the sort of playoff intensity that has become standard this time of year. Jaylen Brown glowed while delivering a revenge chest slap after a big Jayson Tatum fourth-quarter 3-pointer, while Al Horford delivered one of the more emphatic 37-year-old fist pumps in NBA history while capping his magnificent Game 5 effort.
Amid the celebration, on the baseline near the visitor’s bench, fans held up a long sign that read, “Who wants Boston next?” Fans in both Miami and Cleveland had boldly requested that matchup.
Careful what you wish for.
Similar chants will be heard in either New York or Indiana. The Knicks hold a 3-2 lead over the Pacers with Game 6 on…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/savoring-important-checkpoint-celtics-quest-150927420.html
Author : NBC Sports Boston
Publish date : 2024-05-16 15:09:27
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