Kevin Garnett has taken issue with the narrative suggesting the Boston Celtics had an easy path to the 2024 NBA Finals. Despite their dominant 12-2 record in the Eastern Conference playoffs, critics argue that Boston’s journey was made easier due to injuries to key players on opposing teams. Garnett, however, finds this perspective flawed and unfair.
“Their path is their path… It’s not on the f***ing Celtics team that guys are getting hurt, not playing, falling out of the lineup. First off, there’s still other professionals that are coming in, playing hard as s**t and then still trying to win.”
“And then two, they close out a game on the road? Man, I don’t know what people want. People want this heartfelt drama and going down to seven games. Nah, that ain’t the script here. Their script, they’re damn near 17, 16 games better than anybody in the East.”
“They really steamroll your team if your best player ain’t on your team. And it is what it is. And then too, you’re down on the road 18, they think that you can just hit a button and all of a sudden you’re tired.”
“No, man, you gotta win on the road. And it’s hard as sh** to win on the road. And it’s even more hard to close out on the road. But for all this other s**t that they can’t control and that’s out of control, get the f**k out of here with that. This is where we are with it.” (13:15)
Garnett points out that the Celtics can’t control the health of their opponents. Injuries are an unfortunate part of the game, but the Celtics still had to face professional athletes who were determined to compete and win.
The Hall of Famer dismisses the idea that Boston’s success should be discounted because their opponents were missing star players. He believes the Celtics’ dominance throughout the season and playoffs speaks for itself.
To Garnett’s point, the Celtics finished the regular season with a 64-18 record, the best in the league by a significant margin. They were 41-11 against Eastern Conference teams, underscoring their superiority. During the playoffs, Boston maintained this high level of performance, showcasing their depth and resilience.
They swept the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals, a series where the Pacers fought hard despite missing Tyrese Haliburton for two games.
Critics have suggested that the Celtics’ path was too easy, but Garnett argues that winning on the road and closing out games are incredibly challenging tasks, regardless of the opposition. He emphasizes that the Celtics not only had to overcome deficits but also had to deal with the pressure of performing away from home, which is no small feat in the playoffs.
Furthermore, Garnett highlights the Celtics’ comprehensive team effort. Boston was built to withstand adversity, with a deep roster capable of stepping up when needed. This resilience was evident throughout their playoff run, as different players took turns making significant contributions. The notion that their path was easy undermines the hard work and determination displayed by the entire team.
In the Eastern Conference Finals, the Celtics faced criticism for winning close games, but Garnett argues that these victories should be seen as a testament to their toughness and ability to execute under pressure. He believes that even with the injuries to their opponents, Boston’s performance was impressive and deserving of respect.
As the Celtics prepare to face the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Finals, Garnett’s defense of his former team serves as a reminder of the unpredictability and challenges of the playoffs.
The path to a championship is never easy, and the Celtics have proven themselves to be a formidable team, ready to compete at the highest level. Garnett’s passionate defense underscores the pride and belief he has in the Celtics, and he remains confident in their ability to win the title.
The Celtics Run Should Not Have Any Asterisk Next To It
The Celtics‘ run to the 2024 NBA Finals should not have any asterisk next to it. It’s unfair to diminish their achievements because their opponents faced injuries. The Celtics maintained their intensity and focus, taking advantage of the opportunities presented to them without any intentional actions causing those injuries.
In the first round, the Celtics faced the Miami Heat, who were without Jimmy Butler and Terry Rozier. Despite these absences, the Celtics did not show any complacency, handling their business efficiently and defeating the Heat in five games. Their professional approach ensured they moved past the Heat with minimal fuss.
The second round saw the Celtics up against the Cleveland Cavaliers, who were missing key players Jarrett Allen and Donovan Mitchell due to injuries. Again, the Celtics showcased their dominance, taking care of the Cavaliers in five games. Injuries impacted the Cavaliers, but the Celtics’ superior play ensured they capitalized on the situation effectively.
In the Eastern Conference Finals, the Celtics faced the Indiana Pacers. The Pacers were without Tyrese Haliburton for the final two games, but the Celtics still had to execute their game plan and perform at a high level to secure the sweep. Boston’s ability to stay focused and maintain their performance levels was a testament to their championship-caliber mindset.
It’s important to recognize that injuries are an unfortunate part of sports. The Celtics cannot be blamed for their opponents’ misfortunes. They played who was in front of them and did so with a high degree of professionalism and skill. The narrative that their path was easier due to these injuries overlooks the fact that Boston was the best regular-season team in the league and played like it throughout the playoffs.
However, there is one caveat: if the Celtics were to lose in the Finals and blame their lack of competition in earlier rounds for their defeat, that excuse would not hold weight. A true championship team prepares and adapts to any situation, regardless of the opposition. The Celtics’ journey to the Finals has been impressive, and their focus should remain on finishing the job, not on the circumstances that led them there.
The Celtics’ run to the Finals deserves full recognition and respect. They have proven themselves as a dominant force in the league, and any attempt to undermine their achievements with an asterisk is misguided and unjustified.
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