With the Boston Celtics going head-to-head against the Brooklyn Nets in the first round of the NBA Playoffs for the second consecutive year, the outcome of this postseason series could turn out to be much different than the last one.
In an eventful Game 1 on Sunday afternoon, the Celtics rallied to a mesmerizing 115-114 win in spite of Kyrie Irving’s 39-point masterclass performance to take a 1-0 series lead. An incredible finish that featured a buzzer-beating layup from Jayson Tatum gave us a glimpse of how epic this series could become.
During last year’s playoffs, Brooklyn ousted the Celtics with ease, defeating Brad Stevens’ team 4-1 to advance to the second round, where they eventually fell short in a thrilling series to the eventual champion Milwaukee Bucks. However, Boston has a different, improved squad this time around behind new head coach Ime Udoka and a more dynamic rotation.
As the Boston Celtics battle the Brooklyn Nets in the first round of the NBA Playoffs for a consecutive year, we examine why Boston should come out on top.
Despite a struggle-filled start to the 2021-22 NBA season, the Boston Celtics quickly shifted the momentum following the All-Star break. To conclude the regular season, the Celtics won 28 of their last 35 games and inspiringly came together to earn the second seed in the Eastern Conference.
This team continues to roll at the right time and evidently, they’re not afraid of Irving, Kevin Durant, and the mighty Brooklyn Nets. Without a doubt, we’re in for an ultra-competitive first-round series between these two powerhouses.
Of course, it’ll be an extra challenge for Boston to contain Brooklyn’s top-tier offense without promising frontcourt asset Robert Williams III, but this team seems built for challenges like these.
Let’s look at three reasons why the Celtics should take down the Nets in this electrifying first-round series matchup after stealing Game 1.