The Boston Celtics came out on fire in Game 6, pushing back against the Bucks and forcing a Game 7 in Boston after an impressive performance from the whole team.
And while beating the defending Champs will be no easy feat, Marcus Smart likes his team’s odds of pulling off a win with the strength of the hometown fans at their back.
“It’s gonna be loud. It means a lot. I just know that being on the road, in Boston, for a Game 7, that’s not a place you want to be.”
Marcus Smart on having Game 7 in Boston: "It's gonna be loud. It means a lot. I just know that being on the road, in Boston, for a Game 7, that's not a place you want to be."
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) May 14, 2022
The Celtics may not have the Championship experience Milwaukee does, but the argument can be made they are the better overall team. With a complete roster and brilliant head coach, they proved to be one of the best teams in the East this season and a worthy foe to Giannis.
The biggest reason for it all? the ascension of Jayson Tatum. This season has been his true breakout campaign, but many saw how good he was way before he is the guy he is now.
“I told Jayson when he was in high school, he gonna sell shoes, he gonna be an All-Star,” Kevin Durant said. “So for him to do this? I expect him to do this; it’s no surprise to me. I expect him to be a Hall of Famer, 30,000 points, three-time Olympian. I expect that out of him because that’s how talented he is. That’s how great he is.”
Sweeping the Brooklyn Nets was impressive enough for the Cs. But beating this Bucks team might be even more impressive. Even without Khris Middleton, beating Giannis Antetokounmp at the peak of his powers speaks volumes about how well-rounded and talented the Celtics really are.
Ahead of Game 7, anything is possible. With enough fight, good play, and support from their fans, Boston could live on to fight another day and officially recognize their status as a title contender.
