"So, we meet once more."
This is straight from the script of a movie. In the NBA Playoffs, the Boston Celtics will once again face the Miami Heat. I'm feeling a lot of conflicted emotions as a result.
On the one hand, this presents an ideal opportunity for retaliation. They eliminated us last year, and this year we can and should do the same. It's possible that this team's desire for vengeance will prevent them from becoming overconfident and ignoring their opponent, as they might have done when they faced the Chicago Bulls.
However, this Heat team is simply not very good, and without Jimmy Butler, they should barely be a hindrance to the Celtics this year. In the playoffs this year, Boston has significantly more goals, so they just need to do what needs to be done to get to the next round. In fact, they should be concentrating on finishing this series quickly so they can rest and get ready for the next one.
In a metaphorical sense, however, we should respect Erik Spoelstra if the past has taught us anything. He is going to throw everything he can at the Celtics. He will make things interesting and keep them guessing. In the event that the Celtics lose focus or shoot poorly, they might even steal a game. And oh my gosh, the hot takes will pour out like lava over charred ground. However, this Celtics team is prepared for it, and early in the playoffs, they might even get some good "clutch time" reps.
The playoffs have now officially begun on General Grievous' other metallic hand. For more than a month, the Celtics, the best team since 2009, have been on a roll. The final part of the season was treated like an extended practice as they lapped the field. It's fun to look at the long list of stats that show how special this team was this season, but none of that matters now. All of that was a preview of the events that would make this season memorable. The X-wings can now be locked in by the Celtics and extended into attack mode.
If you win the title, many stories change forever. At this point, all that matters is that. This roster also has a lot of experience. The core of this team is aware of how difficult it is to get close to that goal but fail to achieve it. Jrue Holiday is aware of how challenging completing the task is. Because Porzingis is aware of how difficult it is to win in this league, he is prepared to assist in any way he can. If Mazzulla wanted to win the title, he would do anything.
This group is prepared. They only want one thing. The Heat is only the first step in that direction.
Celtics, get going!
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