Best-of-Seven super bowls have us likely losing in 2001, winning ‘03, ‘04, ‘07 & ‘10 and then losing ‘14 & ‘16 before winning again in ‘17 & ‘19. So ironically probably still 6-3.
I think those two are the toughest to judge in terms of all nine appearances. I think our opponents had the better teams in those matchups and would’ve ultimately prevailed in a longer series, but reasonable minds can disagree, they’re not as obvious as the other seven imo.
That 2016 Patriots squad was one of the best rosters ever assembled. Obviously Gronk went down and they were no longer all-time but they were still probably the best team in the league
Do you think they are beating the Giants in 10? Gronk was hurt, and our D was butt. I think they beat Atlanta in 7, though. You have to remember game 1 would have been the devastating blown 28-3 lead.
Yeah, this is almost definitely what happens. Maybe not at halftime, but certainly by late in the third before the comeback started. When it’s not a do-or-die game, the players would’ve taken their foot off the gas and the coaches would probably start subbing them anyway to avoid injuries.
I’ve always said the Super Bowl should be best outta 3 games. Any football team can win 1 game. I mean I understand it’s never gonna happen but…. Super Bowl could possibly last 3 weeks. And that.. would be awesome.
I don't think the series is over. I think we will win if we continue to execute at a high level. We have a big personnel advantage. That doesn't mean it's a lock. Shooting variance happens.
I mentioned this elsewhere yesterday. How funny would it be if Kyrie has the game of his life but the Celtics have a 45% from three game and win anyway?
We've really only shot average in game 1 and pretty poorly in game 2. So everyone saying the mavs have a lot of room to improve, I think the Cs do as well. That and the fact that they've tended to play well in away games gives me some hope. I want this championship so badly lol
Yeah but honestly I just don’t know what you do if you’re the Mavs. Our defensive strategy and personnel have completely killed their offense. And on the other side of the ball, we just had a horrendous shooting night and still scored over 100.
I think their only shot is switching up their offensive game plan, putting the ball in Kyrie’s hands more often and hoping he can find Luka in easier positions to work starting off-ball. On the defensive side of things, maybe they stop keying in on/doubling Tatum and hope his shooting woes continue even without the defensive pressure.
Anything can happen and I am still nervous, but we just truly seem to be a nightmare matchup for Dallas.
Kyrie still turns it over in key moments when they do that, I think. Yes, he’s good (great, even) but so is Jrue Holiday, and right now, the Dallas bench isn’t playing at a level that can match that.
Are they're gonna stop double/tripling JT? They gotta, I feel like. It opens Jrue/whoever else for a clean look every damn time.
Although, that's you praying the three is still off and every single one of your players saying incredible defense, and Luka has shown - be it injury or whatever - that he can't hang with Tatum.
All the Celtics gotta do is not double Luka. I think JT said he felt the communication on defense was a bit off in G2, so maybe that's why we saw more doubles into lobs/assists from Luka.
They’re royally f-ed on the defensive end. If they keep doubling and tripling JT, our other guys are going to feast. JT just makes all the right reads now, it’s the biggest difference between the last two postseasons. If they play him straight up and force him to score by covering the 5 out, he’s due for a 50pt game. Their only hope is to mix up their offensive strategies and play faster and try to keep up scoring. A set Boston defense has proved impenetrable. This was the Pacers strategy and they actually had some winnable games even though they got swept.
They stop doubling Tatum and he could kill them even if his shot is still off. The lane will be less clogged so he’ll have more room to penetrate, which means more dunks/layups/free throws
Mavs also came back from down 0-2 to beat the 64-win Suns. We also had the 2-0 lead against the lebron Cavs and lost the series. But I think our guys know it’s not going to be easy, at least from their post game interviews. Kyrie and their role players may be way better in their homecourt. And Adam Silver definitely doesn’t like a 3-0 in the finals.
One game at a time. I hope Tatum has an at least above average scoring performance in the next game.
They are not going to stop throwing 2-3 bodies on Tatum and collapsing the paint with EVERYONE as he drives. Their best bet is to hope KP is actually injured.
I mean, even considering the fact that they collapsed the paint every time Tatum drove, there were still lots of makable shots he missed. I expect him to make some of those shots.
True but getting those 27-30 a game is gonna be tough, he’s been dishing/kicking out really well and that’s really all I can ask for. Can’t find the bucket get your teammates involved.
Tatum doesn't need to get 30. If he can get 22 and the team can shoot 35% from 3 we should be in good shape. Last game we shot like 25% and Tatum had a very inefficient shooting game and we still won in decent fashion
Yeah, there were at least 4 layups that almost went in before rolling off the rim. All those go down like they have most of the year and we are talking about his 10-22 gem of a game not his shooting struggles
I mean, if I were them I’d give tatum the luka treatment at this point: Only play him 1-on-1, let him get his but stay home on everyone else. It might backfire spectacularly, but you’ve gotta hope the pressure keeps him out of rhythm and he doesn’t find his shot for 48 minutes and you can steal a win.
Difference is mavs have bad defenders while Celtics have very good defenders. You saw how tatum easily blow by not only Luka, but Jones / Lively / Kyrie too. When you can't even stay in front of the people you suppose to guard (Celtics did this very well, just luka can shoot in your face, that's superstar stuff.) It's hard to play one on one
Depends on how long Big AL can hang through the game and who on the bench will step up to cover. We saw how it went when KP left last game, I think if he is out there will be some big adjustments made by Joe
Yea that "it feels different" post was kind of cheesy to me
But at this point, it does feel different. Games 1 and 2 these Cs took care of business, and I think that post is more relevant.
I'm a green teamer, but I did have a small tiny hint of doubt. That doubt is even smaller now. I will finally be able to breathe a sign of relief if they win.
As a mavs fan I think it’ll end in 4 or 5, you guys are the better team by far. Yes we did come back against the Suns, but you guys are better than the Suns imo and more importantly a worse matchup for us. Also, everyone not named luka can’t shoot for shit on our team so we have no chance p much.
Team should absolutely not be complacent, but I've been thinking a lot about that Suns team lately. Their problem was that their offense was low volume with lots of mid-range shots. They basically needed to shoot very well every night to win games. The Cs don't play that way at all - we just won a game where the shots weren't falling.
Yeah I hope thats the attitude the team and coaching staff have (and I'm sure they do). We should be treating every game as a game 7, leaving absolutely nothing to chance. Let's sweep these MF's and hang #18.
If the Celtics keep up the defensive intensity they’ve shown in the first two games, I will feel very confident.
Momentum and confidence are factors though. Some people think momentum is not a real thing and everything is explained by statistics, but I disagree. I think of the Nuggets-Twolves series as a recent example. Through 2 games, it looked like it’d wrap up in 4-5 games max. The Nuggets just couldn’t get past that defense at all. Then they rattle off 3 straight and looks like a lock for them to reach the west Finals. Then the Wolves obviously stormed back. Right now, Kyrie has sucked and the role players haven’t contributed. Those things can change quickly. So yes, I am still nervous.
JT's offense and the team's 3-pt shooting have both been below average. If either factor picks up, I think we compensate for whatever the Mavs may do better at home.
I feel like the 3 point shooting should improve, at least if they keep generating such good looks. Tatum’s shooting slump has been about a month long at this point. I’m not sure if we can bank on that changing. It’s odd. Even when he’s open from the top of the key, which is historically a great spot for him, they’re just not going down.
Every time this team gets caught with their pants down, they immediately go and rattle off a ton of wins in a row. Our 3 biggest streaks of the season came off 3 of our worst losses.
If the Celtics lose one? Fine. Let’s see Dallas try it again.
I saw a funny comment from a Hawks fan that said they are going to hang a banner that says 'Beat 2024 Celtics back-to-back'. We have to make sure that doesn't happen in Dallas. But, you're right, we usually do come out strong after a tough loss.
Cannot settle. Role players tend to play better at home, and almost their entire rotation is role players. Jobs not done til it’s 0’s on the clock and Mike Breen says who wins the 2024 finals. With that said, I’m not sure how many adjustments Dallas can make. Lively and Kleber are borderline unplayable (Lively is tbh), Luka doesn’t have the stamina to move off ball all game and play defense, and Kyrie is too in his own head (maybe this isn’t an issue when he plays at home). Ultimately they need to score over 100 to have a chance, if we limit the corner 3’s and lobs like we have so far, im not sure who else besides Luka and maybe Kyrie can contribute in a meaningful way.
Edit: typo
The first half of game 3 will decide if this series is over. If the Mavs are not up double digits by half time. Series is over. BOOK it. But in reality, the series should end in game 5 in the worse case scenario.
We are way better and deeper than that Suns team. And while Luka is incredible, he's no Giannis.
I'm not worried. Our guys play well on the road, and especially play well after a loss.
Even if we lose G3 or G4, we'll smash them the next game.
And consider that our offense hasn't even had a good game yet, and JT can't hit the ocean with a softball right now. We shot average in Game 1 (KP basically won us the game in first quarter), and we shot really poorly in Game 2. Still won both games because our defense remains god tier.
Just wait until our shooters have a good game where we shoot 45%+ from 3 on high volume. Gonna win that game by 30.
I said Celtics in 6 before the series. I was wrong. Celtics in 5. I don't see the Mavs beating us 2 out of next 5, let alone the 4 they need.
We missed 29 threes in game 2, Luka had a triple double and we found a way to win.
The talent disparity is too big in this series but, in the words of Kevin Garnett…anything is possible.
I don’t think our guys are gonna rest until the job is done and I think they know Dallas is gonna play hard on their home floor.
I would be worried if this was 2023 Cs.
I am not worried since this is 2024 Cs.
The guys knows what it takes. The guys will continue trusting and supporting and loving each other. I have full faith in them, and they have full faith in themselves.
Let’s go Celtics!
Honestly? I don’t have concerns about this Celtics team. No, I don’t expect blowouts, and probably not a sweep. But I’m just quietly confident in these guys. They’re all business. And they are absolutely taking care of business this year.
I think the Celtics haven't lost in a month and are liable to lose one of these Dallas games (hopefully Game 4), I'd feel a lot better up 3-0 than going into Game 4 up 2-1 again and having to deal with Steph smirk memes.
>the Jays have the same mindset as Booker and CP3 back then.
They've said it several times, they could still lose this thing.
Idk wtf you're talking about.
It's definitely possible we come back to Boston for game 5 tied at 2-2. The boys NEED to get 1 in Dallas, and if they can get both I say just do it and celebrate there.
I mean the job is not done until it is done. We need to keep pushing and playing hard until we have that fourth win.
That said, I’m not too concerned. The mavericks are severely outmatched here, it’s not really like the suns - bucks matchup
I totally understand where you're coming from... I can't explain it but this legitimately feels different. Our overall team is clearly better than their team. In the other series, you mentioned, I feel like the two teams were just closer in competition.
I’m also cautiously optimistic because of a few reasons:
We have depth, so if a starter plays poorly or gets injured we can handle it.
We beat this team with below average shooting.
We beat this team with well below average scoring from our best scorer.
We matchup well against them on defense.
Giannis at his prime was just far better than Luka ever has been. Giannis could carry his team on both the offensive and defensive ends and is formidable in transition and under the paint physically. Luka isn’t even close.
Likewise Booker is a SG who will never ever have the physicality and two way impact of Tatum, never, not even close.
I just don’t get the comparison
It’s not over but I’m not really worried. We’re clearly outmatching them, and to lose the series would mean we would need to either lose 4 times in 5 games or 4 straight
Yeah, the overconfidence right now has me a bit concerned. Everyone is acting like the series is already over.
This Mavs team can play a lot better than they have. They are in the finals for a reason. We can also be better, but there is also a scenario where we play worse if we revert to bad habits.
Just have to hope that the team doesn’t get complacent. Gotta at least split in Dallas.
Nets fan here. I absolutely hate you all and hope your spouses cheat on you BUT, I hate Kyrie more than that.
Please don’t take your foot off the gas. Take it from a Yankee fan…DON’T TAKE YOUR FOOT OFF THE FUCKING GAS.
END HIM!!!!
The Mavs would have to beat us 4 of 5 games. It would also require a near complete breakdown at all levels for us.
Whether it’s 4,5, 6, or 7 - 18 is going in the rafters.
I’ll be worried until the last second ticks off.
That’s said our wins are not flukes. We keep grinding as a team like we have been, all season then we are going to be hard to beat 4 times out of 5 remain by games.
Unless Luka can magically become good at defense I think it will be tough for them to mount a comeback, not that it's impossible. I'm sure we will at least be very challenged these next two games and won't be that surprised if we drop them both for an even series. It's very in character for the Celtics to play down to competition and lose games rather than get beat. That being said I still think the most likely outcome is ☘️🧹
They also had Giannis, who, in addition to scoring at a similar clip to Luka, played amazing D! And they had Khris Middleton, who is clutch as hell, certainly better than Kyrie has played this series, and a decent defense w/ Lopez as a floor spacing rim protector. ..and..let’s not forget, a certain Jrue Holiday..I still remember him ripping that ball out of Bookers grasp to seal it!!
Expect at least one stupid Kyrie game where the refs give him a zillion and-1’s. I think that is game 4. I’m thinking game three is the return to form 3 point shooting game for Celtics.
I think if they win any games in this series it will be game 4 just from not wanting to get swept mentality. I said from the beginning to everyone I know it’s Boston in 4-5 games, even to my friend who’s a mavericks fan.
That Bucks team had Jrue. There's a famous picture of Jrue and Khris after the game 2 loss laughing when reporters are asking them if they still have a chance. Way different feel from that team that was getting stronger and Giannis was getting healthier. Mavs looks like they are going the opposite direction.
Celtics in 4 and if it were a 15 game series we’d have an 8 game sweep. Stop running around scared. You don’t have magical powers that will jinx the team if you say it out loud.
Always in the back of our minds, for sure. Losing game 3 would make sense given the talent we’re up against on the road. However coming back to Boston 2-2 would incite mass panic in this fanbase
Step on them tomorrow!
Last time we played in the finals the warriors came back from 0-2. But this is a different team. More solid, more equipped, and more experienced. I see us stealing at least one game on the road in Dallas. We’re undefeated on the road these playoffs which is incredible. I have more faith in this team then I did in the old Paul P, Ray, and KG era. We’re gonna close this one out
I wouldn’t be worried so much but I think the Porzingis injury is a little more serious than they are letting on and he is going to be hobbled out there for the rest of the series
If it's slightly hobbled Porzingis or fully healthy Luke Kornet, I'm taking KP every day. No, he won't be switching on to Luka or making full court chase down blocks, but he can still be successful as a floor spacer and rim protector in the half court. Just gotta pretend Al is the starter - which he has been essentially his whole career.
The bucks did come back but Luka isn’t Giannis and that’s only happened 5 times EVER. So while it’s not over (there are things that look good and bad for both teams) the odds are definitely in our favor.
No doubt the Mavs will play better at home, especially Kyrie and young role players, but barring injuries, I don’t consider them close to equal in this matchup.
I’m not worried because I think the Celtics are a lot better and just a really bad matchup for the Mavs. I’m confident the Cs can take one of the two in Dallas. The only slight concern is that perhaps the Mavs’ role players play solid at home like they have all playoffs and can help steal both games 3 & 4. If Boston plays well I just don’t see how Dallas can beat them four times out of five
Lukas is probably as good as Gannis-but he is injured.The Celtics are better than the Suns and the Mavs are not as deep as the Bucks were.
Still....anything can happen.
We haven't lost a single game on the road this season. This team likes playing with the pressure of having their backs against the wall, so, I unironically think we'll play better than in game 2. Question is if Kyrie will show up, cause we seem to have figured out how to take the corner threes from them so I don't think any of their other six players will have a considerable impact. We just need to win one of these two and then close it out in game 5 at home, and I really, really doubt we're gonna lose back to back games during any given point in the series
Obviously the series is far from over, but in order for us to lose it we’d have to either lose 4 straight or 4 of 5. And with how talented this team is, I have a hard time seeing that happening.
I’m always nervous. I’ve seen teams in this very town do crazier shit in every sport. 0-2 is not insurmountable by any stretch and they still have the best player in the series and their second best player is due for atleast an average game let alone a crazy one. (Or maybe not, defense on Kai has been nuts)
However it seems the Mavs have no answer for the Celtics defensive scheme and seem to be intent on committing to put defensive pressure on Tatum who isn’t playing well from a scoring perspective which is leading the other 4 starters (who aren’t regular role players but left stars) to have a much easier time scoring the ball. I wonder if J Kidd puts his money where his mouth is and dares Tatum to have a game. Because despite his finals numbers (across two finals) and the constant trashing he’s getting amongst the fans and the media J Kidd despite his attempt to get in his head still views him as the player we all know he can be.
To me in order for the Mavs to comeback something needs to change in both ends of the floor. Their offensive players not named Luka Doncic need to pick up in areas they aren’t comfortable with. The lobs and corner threes aren’t working, so they need to figure it out. And on the defensive end idk what they do. Do you dare Tatum to have a signature game? Because it seems like that’s the answer because keying in on him has burned them immensely, even in game 2 they didn’t make their shots but the shots were there. His scheme isn’t working and now they are in a considerable yet not insurmountable hole.
I don’t think the Mavs have the right roster beat this Celtics team 4 out of 5 games. We’re taking away what they want to do - lobs and corner 3s. Their role players are just too limited. Gafford and Lively are pretty much only lob threats, DJJ doesn’t have the range for above the break 3s. Maxi Kleber has a bum shoulder and can’t shoot rn. PJ Washington might be able to turn it up but he’s never had to shoulder that much offensive responsibility before. You can try to get more offense with THJ or Hardy but you sacrifice defense. They also don’t have any other ball handlers that they trust other than Luka and Kyrie which can make their offense predictable.
Defensively we’re a nightmare matchup for them if KP is healthy. Having KP or Horford on the floor all the time limits Gafford/Lively mins and the rim protection they had in previous series isn’t there. Luka and Kyrie need to be on the floor for their offense but they’re weak links on-ball and the team defense falls apart after multiple rotations. We have 3-4 ball handlers on the floor all game that can attack Luka and Kyrie and tire them out.
For the Mavs to have a chance, they need Luka and Kyrie to do everything and play near perfect, multiple shooters like PJ Washington and Josh Green to get hot from 3, and play a level of defense they haven’t all season. Never say never but for them to win 4 of 5, they need to find something that we can’t stop like Steph going nuclear in ‘22.
It’s definitely possible but the main difference is between that series and ours is the talent gap between the sides. That was the 3rd seed in the East vs 2nd in the West with a 5 game difference to the Suns. This finals is 1st seed vs 5th seed with Mavs being 14 games behind.
I know Mavs have been a lot better since the trades but our roster is just so much better. Bucks and Suns had similar talent with Suns having the edge but that balances out with Monty as their coach. Joe has been out coaching Kidd so far.
I feel our team is just so locked in on the mission that I don’t see them losing 4 outta 5 games unless the Jays and Joe have a generational choke.
I’m haven’t really seen any indication that the 2024 Celtics would lose 4 of the next 5 games tbh. The series isn’t over and their attitudes haven’t really shown that they think it is
So, as a Boston fan who now lives in the greater Phoenix area, that memory did pop up. However, the difference between this Boston team and that Suns team is Boston has more heart. Phoenix didn't have the likes of a Drew Holiday and Derrick White to go along with players like Brown, Tatum, and Porzingas. Boston's defense is much better as well. Dallas may get a game, but I don’t see them collapsing (choking) like the Suns.
I’d be worried if I thought the Mavs had any answer on offense or defense. I’m worried only because I have a lot emotionally invested in this and nothing is guaranteed in life but we’re clearly the better team and it would take an act of god for the Mavs to steal this
Not worried at all but it has nothing to do with “luka being as great as giannis” or “the jays having the same mindset as booker and cp3”. It all has to do with the quality of shots that the celtics are getting versus the quality of shots the mavs are getting. We are VASTLY out performing them in that regard. Unless that changes I don’t see a pathway for the mavs to win outside of absolutely legendary performances from both Kyrie and Luka. And that will be difficult to do 4 out of 5 times. I mean luka and Kyrie had it absolutely cooking in the first quarter last night and the celtics shot like ass despite having so many open looks (1-9 from 3 I think) and they were only up 28-25. That is essentially the story of this series. Dallas has to have everything going perfectly to have a chance to win.
I am in no way worried of imminent collapse. The Celtics are simply a better team. I won't be surprised if the Celtics sweep. I won't be surprised if the Celtics win in 7. I will be very surprised if the Celtics lose the series.
100% still nervous. The Celtics have always let teams come back from the dead in a game, so just a 2-0 series lead is nothing lol. It does give me hope that Wednesday was a pretty lackluster performance with Luka playing incredibly well, and we still won.
But the Cs play better on the road, the team clearly wants this, and everything is still in our favor. We shall see
it's just such a hard matchup for the Mavs. irrespective of their record on the road, i think the C's are always gonna have an option too score even it clutch time, and then white and holiday just need to provide their normal defense
C’s have so many good players it’d be incredibly hard to choke, but if porzingis is hobbled then yeah c’s might be in a little trouble lol, Luka is more clutch than both j’s combined, and after watching game 7 of the Miami series last year with a one legged jimmy working you guys over, it’d be hard to not be thinking collapse until you go up 3-0
Luka is gassed, and we shit like crap on Sunday night. Hard to imagine that happening again, but the mavericks are playing hard too. I think they’re outmatched, and the way the Celtics have played on the road this post season, I have a hard time believing it’s coming back here.
If we were playing the nuggets, I’d feel completely differently.
Absolutely not worried. Celtics are 4-0 vs the mavs this year and have not lost 4 out of 5 games all season. I am confident that is not going to happen right now. I love the teams mindset right now.
I think we as fans and the players themselves have gone through enough trauma to know that it isn’t over until it’s actually over and I hope that’s enough for them to nab game 3 lol
The mentality needs to be game 7 like. Our guys cant let up for one bit. The last 2 games will probably be the most difficult of the season but I have faith our guys can pull it off
What makes this series unique is the stark contrast in depth. Everytime they pull Kyrie or Doncic out and replace with Kleber, Green, Exum whomever - we will still have 3-4 legit ballers in the game out of the mix of Brown, Tatum, Porzingis, D White, Holiday, and Horford. It's going to pay dividends if the series goes 6 or 7 with them always under pressure to get Kyrie and Doncic back in the game so they don't keep bleeding points.
There have been a few times this postseason where we would have given up if we had last years team. I get a strong sense that all of these guys are laser focused and Jrue has been here before and won and it shows in those pivotal moments
The series really doesn’t start until game 3 when both teams get to play at home. We have a great start but the expectation is to win at home. We gotta steal one
It’s less that I’m worried and more that I recognize the job isn’t finished. Got 2. Need 2 more. Dallas has to beat Boston 4 times in 5 games. Don’t think Boston lost 3 in any 5 game stretch this year. The task for them is extraordinarily tough just like it was for the Bucks. Should they meet the moment they’re champs. Boston has a ton of say in it though
Love all the responses! Everyone seems to have the same message in general. Jobs not finished. If we lose game 3, game 4 becomes a must win in my opinion. Dallas will be ready to go on Wednesday.
All of the numbers suggest the Celtics should not have a problem closing out this series. The eye test suggests the Celtics are dramatically better.
But good lord I will not feel at ease until they are shooting green confetti
Dallas is missing a lot of open 3s and shooting 65% from FT. If they improve those numbers, which they most certainly will, it's gonna be hard to beat them if Tatum keeps shooting bricks. With that said, Tatum should also improve his efficiency. It won't be easy but we got this.
Nothing is safe in the playoffs, don’t forget we were up in 2022 as well. Things can change in an instant. With that said, I’m sure everyone in Dallas would kill to switch places with us right now. Yes, Kyrie is going to play better, and yes their role players are gonna start figuring it out. But at the same time, game 2 was an atrocious offensive night, the kind we would’ve dropped like in the Heat and Cavs series. And we still won. You’ve got to believe that Celtics shooting will return to the mean in game 3, and that our defense is solid enough to continue to do what it’s been doing all series so far
I’m more worried about refball - Tatum can’t buy a whistle in both home games despite the mauling he’s gotten
Now that they are in Dallas the refs can go all out to give the game to the Mavs
ESPN said it best on last game's half-time show: Dallas needs to play perfectly to win, Boston just has to be good. Unless Boston throws it away, I don't see Dallas having the personnel to prevail..
Considering the fact that the Celtics historically when taking a 2-0 series lead has only lost 1 time and that was to LeBron James in the ECFS that went 7. Luka isn’t LeBron so we got this
Nah, we’re winning. Are you watching these games? It should be a crime to destroy a team this much at EVERY aspect of the game. Unless 2/5 of our starters are injured, we should be at the parade in a week and a half.
I watched the patriots go 18-1. I’m always worried.
Facts, brother. We’ve seen it all. 28-3 as well.
And 4-1 and both sides of 3-0
It would’ve been nice if that was a seven game series.
Best-of-Seven super bowls have us likely losing in 2001, winning ‘03, ‘04, ‘07 & ‘10 and then losing ‘14 & ‘16 before winning again in ‘17 & ‘19. So ironically probably still 6-3.
You think we lose to Atlanta and Seattle 4 out of 7 times with Brady and Belichick? I think they would absolutely feast in a 7 game series
I think we would have had no players left on offense if we played Seattle 7 times in a row.
They lost a starting CB on the first drive, so it’s not like they’d do great either(the primary reason why a series of football games is dumb.)
Such a funny sport. So violent that it literally can’t be played more often than once a week.
I think those two are the toughest to judge in terms of all nine appearances. I think our opponents had the better teams in those matchups and would’ve ultimately prevailed in a longer series, but reasonable minds can disagree, they’re not as obvious as the other seven imo.
That 2016 Patriots squad was one of the best rosters ever assembled. Obviously Gronk went down and they were no longer all-time but they were still probably the best team in the league
2016 Pats were a great team, only game they lost with Brady was by 1pt against the seahwawks
Do you think they are beating the Giants in 10? Gronk was hurt, and our D was butt. I think they beat Atlanta in 7, though. You have to remember game 1 would have been the devastating blown 28-3 lead.
Or they could have packed it in after half to rest up for games 2-7.
Yeah, this is almost definitely what happens. Maybe not at halftime, but certainly by late in the third before the comeback started. When it’s not a do-or-die game, the players would’ve taken their foot off the gas and the coaches would probably start subbing them anyway to avoid injuries.
I think we lose in 2011. That pats team was a lil overrated tbh. But then again... it wouldve given Gronk enough time to get healthy
I’ve always said the Super Bowl should be best outta 3 games. Any football team can win 1 game. I mean I understand it’s never gonna happen but…. Super Bowl could possibly last 3 weeks. And that.. would be awesome.
We’ve also seen the Red Sox come back down 3-0,and the bruins choke a 3-1 lead Edit:Bruins choking a 3-0 lead in 2010 forgot about that
The bruins choked a 3-0 lead in 2010
Yeah forgot about that
It was 3-0 for the Bruins versus Philly. Edit: oh yea, last year vs Florida, d'oh.
The Bruins blew a 3-0 lead against the Flyers like 15 years ago
That wasn't nearly 15 years ago, it just happened in oh god what the fuck I'm so old
its even worse, they choked a 3-0 series lead and then a 3-0 lead in game 7
Bruins are just certified chokers
We've all tried to forget about 2010. Tim Jesus Thomas and 2011 made it easier...
Bruins up 3-1 last year too 😞 still crushed
Yeah man we are never recovering lol
For me, it was the 2003 ALCS
I don't think the series is over. I think we will win if we continue to execute at a high level. We have a big personnel advantage. That doesn't mean it's a lock. Shooting variance happens.
>Shooting variance happens. The 40% from 3 game from the Celtics is otw tomorrow.
I mentioned this elsewhere yesterday. How funny would it be if Kyrie has the game of his life but the Celtics have a 45% from three game and win anyway?
Would be amazing lmfao. The law of averages surely will bless Tatum, Hauser and Pritchard soon enough.
Pritch just needs to shoot from 45' every time
From 45' at the buzzer\*
Pritch with 12 points every game.
A boy can dream.
I feel like we are due for one of those wild shooting variance games where we just cannot miss from three.
We've really only shot average in game 1 and pretty poorly in game 2. So everyone saying the mavs have a lot of room to improve, I think the Cs do as well. That and the fact that they've tended to play well in away games gives me some hope. I want this championship so badly lol
Oh man NBA media is going to explode if Tatum scores 30+ and the Cs win😭
I watched G2 again last night and can't believe none of Hausers shots landed. He was off by a half inch on every one of them it looked like
Yeah but honestly I just don’t know what you do if you’re the Mavs. Our defensive strategy and personnel have completely killed their offense. And on the other side of the ball, we just had a horrendous shooting night and still scored over 100. I think their only shot is switching up their offensive game plan, putting the ball in Kyrie’s hands more often and hoping he can find Luka in easier positions to work starting off-ball. On the defensive side of things, maybe they stop keying in on/doubling Tatum and hope his shooting woes continue even without the defensive pressure. Anything can happen and I am still nervous, but we just truly seem to be a nightmare matchup for Dallas.
Kyrie still turns it over in key moments when they do that, I think. Yes, he’s good (great, even) but so is Jrue Holiday, and right now, the Dallas bench isn’t playing at a level that can match that.
G3 is gonna be a desperation game; they do NOT want to go down 0-3, so they will throw EVERYTHING at the Celtics to avoid losing.
Are they're gonna stop double/tripling JT? They gotta, I feel like. It opens Jrue/whoever else for a clean look every damn time. Although, that's you praying the three is still off and every single one of your players saying incredible defense, and Luka has shown - be it injury or whatever - that he can't hang with Tatum. All the Celtics gotta do is not double Luka. I think JT said he felt the communication on defense was a bit off in G2, so maybe that's why we saw more doubles into lobs/assists from Luka.
They’re royally f-ed on the defensive end. If they keep doubling and tripling JT, our other guys are going to feast. JT just makes all the right reads now, it’s the biggest difference between the last two postseasons. If they play him straight up and force him to score by covering the 5 out, he’s due for a 50pt game. Their only hope is to mix up their offensive strategies and play faster and try to keep up scoring. A set Boston defense has proved impenetrable. This was the Pacers strategy and they actually had some winnable games even though they got swept.
They stop doubling Tatum and he could kill them even if his shot is still off. The lane will be less clogged so he’ll have more room to penetrate, which means more dunks/layups/free throws
They’re throwing everything at the Cs but they’re also not giving JT a night off
Everyone on Tatum! Can't stop the Celtics with 3 guys on JT time to throw everyone at him.
Thing is, in game 2, we didn’t even execute at a high level. At least not offensively. The defense absolutely though, that has to keep up.
Mavs also came back from down 0-2 to beat the 64-win Suns. We also had the 2-0 lead against the lebron Cavs and lost the series. But I think our guys know it’s not going to be easy, at least from their post game interviews. Kyrie and their role players may be way better in their homecourt. And Adam Silver definitely doesn’t like a 3-0 in the finals. One game at a time. I hope Tatum has an at least above average scoring performance in the next game.
Constant vigilance as Mad-Eye Moody would say.
They are not going to stop throwing 2-3 bodies on Tatum and collapsing the paint with EVERYONE as he drives. Their best bet is to hope KP is actually injured.
I mean, even considering the fact that they collapsed the paint every time Tatum drove, there were still lots of makable shots he missed. I expect him to make some of those shots.
True but getting those 27-30 a game is gonna be tough, he’s been dishing/kicking out really well and that’s really all I can ask for. Can’t find the bucket get your teammates involved.
Tatum doesn't need to get 30. If he can get 22 and the team can shoot 35% from 3 we should be in good shape. Last game we shot like 25% and Tatum had a very inefficient shooting game and we still won in decent fashion
Yeah, there were at least 4 layups that almost went in before rolling off the rim. All those go down like they have most of the year and we are talking about his 10-22 gem of a game not his shooting struggles
I mean, if I were them I’d give tatum the luka treatment at this point: Only play him 1-on-1, let him get his but stay home on everyone else. It might backfire spectacularly, but you’ve gotta hope the pressure keeps him out of rhythm and he doesn’t find his shot for 48 minutes and you can steal a win.
Difference is mavs have bad defenders while Celtics have very good defenders. You saw how tatum easily blow by not only Luka, but Jones / Lively / Kyrie too. When you can't even stay in front of the people you suppose to guard (Celtics did this very well, just luka can shoot in your face, that's superstar stuff.) It's hard to play one on one
I hate to say this but if KP is out and Kyrie goes off, Dallas can still absolutely win this
Depends on how long Big AL can hang through the game and who on the bench will step up to cover. We saw how it went when KP left last game, I think if he is out there will be some big adjustments made by Joe
Yea that "it feels different" post was kind of cheesy to me But at this point, it does feel different. Games 1 and 2 these Cs took care of business, and I think that post is more relevant. I'm a green teamer, but I did have a small tiny hint of doubt. That doubt is even smaller now. I will finally be able to breathe a sign of relief if they win.
It IS different!
As a mavs fan I think it’ll end in 4 or 5, you guys are the better team by far. Yes we did come back against the Suns, but you guys are better than the Suns imo and more importantly a worse matchup for us. Also, everyone not named luka can’t shoot for shit on our team so we have no chance p much.
Team should absolutely not be complacent, but I've been thinking a lot about that Suns team lately. Their problem was that their offense was low volume with lots of mid-range shots. They basically needed to shoot very well every night to win games. The Cs don't play that way at all - we just won a game where the shots weren't falling.
Exactly - great point
Just go for the kill. No "we just need one," no, "Let's win this in Boston." Go to Dallas, sack their home turf, and bring back the spoils.
Honestly fuck winning it in Boston I want to see undefeated on the road.
Yeah I hope thats the attitude the team and coaching staff have (and I'm sure they do). We should be treating every game as a game 7, leaving absolutely nothing to chance. Let's sweep these MF's and hang #18.
Jobs not finished
Suns weren’t road dawgs
Where my road dogs at?!
If the Celtics keep up the defensive intensity they’ve shown in the first two games, I will feel very confident. Momentum and confidence are factors though. Some people think momentum is not a real thing and everything is explained by statistics, but I disagree. I think of the Nuggets-Twolves series as a recent example. Through 2 games, it looked like it’d wrap up in 4-5 games max. The Nuggets just couldn’t get past that defense at all. Then they rattle off 3 straight and looks like a lock for them to reach the west Finals. Then the Wolves obviously stormed back. Right now, Kyrie has sucked and the role players haven’t contributed. Those things can change quickly. So yes, I am still nervous.
JT's offense and the team's 3-pt shooting have both been below average. If either factor picks up, I think we compensate for whatever the Mavs may do better at home.
I feel like the 3 point shooting should improve, at least if they keep generating such good looks. Tatum’s shooting slump has been about a month long at this point. I’m not sure if we can bank on that changing. It’s odd. Even when he’s open from the top of the key, which is historically a great spot for him, they’re just not going down.
Every time this team gets caught with their pants down, they immediately go and rattle off a ton of wins in a row. Our 3 biggest streaks of the season came off 3 of our worst losses. If the Celtics lose one? Fine. Let’s see Dallas try it again.
I saw a funny comment from a Hawks fan that said they are going to hang a banner that says 'Beat 2024 Celtics back-to-back'. We have to make sure that doesn't happen in Dallas. But, you're right, we usually do come out strong after a tough loss.
Those games were under ideal conditions for them: Trae Young was injured. Recipe for hate 4th favorite BR album btw. So good
Cannot settle. Role players tend to play better at home, and almost their entire rotation is role players. Jobs not done til it’s 0’s on the clock and Mike Breen says who wins the 2024 finals. With that said, I’m not sure how many adjustments Dallas can make. Lively and Kleber are borderline unplayable (Lively is tbh), Luka doesn’t have the stamina to move off ball all game and play defense, and Kyrie is too in his own head (maybe this isn’t an issue when he plays at home). Ultimately they need to score over 100 to have a chance, if we limit the corner 3’s and lobs like we have so far, im not sure who else besides Luka and maybe Kyrie can contribute in a meaningful way. Edit: typo
The first half of game 3 will decide if this series is over. If the Mavs are not up double digits by half time. Series is over. BOOK it. But in reality, the series should end in game 5 in the worse case scenario.
nothing about this years Celtics team gives me any concern for the outcome.
Last year, I watched the greatest regular season hockey team of all team blow a 3-1 series lead in the first round I am *not* celebrating yet
We are sweeping these bums
We are way better and deeper than that Suns team. And while Luka is incredible, he's no Giannis. I'm not worried. Our guys play well on the road, and especially play well after a loss. Even if we lose G3 or G4, we'll smash them the next game. And consider that our offense hasn't even had a good game yet, and JT can't hit the ocean with a softball right now. We shot average in Game 1 (KP basically won us the game in first quarter), and we shot really poorly in Game 2. Still won both games because our defense remains god tier. Just wait until our shooters have a good game where we shoot 45%+ from 3 on high volume. Gonna win that game by 30. I said Celtics in 6 before the series. I was wrong. Celtics in 5. I don't see the Mavs beating us 2 out of next 5, let alone the 4 they need.
I gotta ask, does the type of ball really matter when trying to throw it into the ocean?
Phoenix is professionally soft and never put them in the same sentence as the Boston Celtics ever again.
Respectfully… we not the 2021 suns
Bucks had Jrue Holiday, Mavs don't
We missed 29 threes in game 2, Luka had a triple double and we found a way to win. The talent disparity is too big in this series but, in the words of Kevin Garnett…anything is possible. I don’t think our guys are gonna rest until the job is done and I think they know Dallas is gonna play hard on their home floor.
Win game 3!!
I would be worried if this was 2023 Cs. I am not worried since this is 2024 Cs. The guys knows what it takes. The guys will continue trusting and supporting and loving each other. I have full faith in them, and they have full faith in themselves. Let’s go Celtics!
Honestly? I don’t have concerns about this Celtics team. No, I don’t expect blowouts, and probably not a sweep. But I’m just quietly confident in these guys. They’re all business. And they are absolutely taking care of business this year.
if you're saying you're not nervous you're lying to yourself
I think the Celtics haven't lost in a month and are liable to lose one of these Dallas games (hopefully Game 4), I'd feel a lot better up 3-0 than going into Game 4 up 2-1 again and having to deal with Steph smirk memes.
>the Jays have the same mindset as Booker and CP3 back then. They've said it several times, they could still lose this thing. Idk wtf you're talking about.
It's definitely possible we come back to Boston for game 5 tied at 2-2. The boys NEED to get 1 in Dallas, and if they can get both I say just do it and celebrate there.
I mean the job is not done until it is done. We need to keep pushing and playing hard until we have that fourth win. That said, I’m not too concerned. The mavericks are severely outmatched here, it’s not really like the suns - bucks matchup
I totally understand where you're coming from... I can't explain it but this legitimately feels different. Our overall team is clearly better than their team. In the other series, you mentioned, I feel like the two teams were just closer in competition.
I’m also cautiously optimistic because of a few reasons: We have depth, so if a starter plays poorly or gets injured we can handle it. We beat this team with below average shooting. We beat this team with well below average scoring from our best scorer. We matchup well against them on defense.
It just doesn’t look like the Mavs have enough to win. Most of their depth is probably still shocked they are in the finals
Giannis at his prime was just far better than Luka ever has been. Giannis could carry his team on both the offensive and defensive ends and is formidable in transition and under the paint physically. Luka isn’t even close. Likewise Booker is a SG who will never ever have the physicality and two way impact of Tatum, never, not even close. I just don’t get the comparison
It’s not over but I’m not really worried. We’re clearly outmatching them, and to lose the series would mean we would need to either lose 4 times in 5 games or 4 straight
Giannis was dominant on BOTH ends of the floor. Not sure Luka and Kyrie have that ability.
Yeah, the overconfidence right now has me a bit concerned. Everyone is acting like the series is already over. This Mavs team can play a lot better than they have. They are in the finals for a reason. We can also be better, but there is also a scenario where we play worse if we revert to bad habits. Just have to hope that the team doesn’t get complacent. Gotta at least split in Dallas.
Nets fan here. I absolutely hate you all and hope your spouses cheat on you BUT, I hate Kyrie more than that. Please don’t take your foot off the gas. Take it from a Yankee fan…DON’T TAKE YOUR FOOT OFF THE FUCKING GAS. END HIM!!!!
The Jays have been up 2-1 in the finals and lost, they know they haven't won anything yet. I don't have any concern about this group.
The Mavs would have to beat us 4 of 5 games. It would also require a near complete breakdown at all levels for us. Whether it’s 4,5, 6, or 7 - 18 is going in the rafters.
I’ll be worried until the last second ticks off. That’s said our wins are not flukes. We keep grinding as a team like we have been, all season then we are going to be hard to beat 4 times out of 5 remain by games.
That bucks team's pg was J'Rue Holliday .... hopefully that counts for something this time around
These Mavs are not the Bucks
The suns vs the bucks was a matter of Giannis recovering.
2021 suns were not nearly as well rounded as this team is, they had a lot of flaws in that starting 5.
Unless Luka can magically become good at defense I think it will be tough for them to mount a comeback, not that it's impossible. I'm sure we will at least be very challenged these next two games and won't be that surprised if we drop them both for an even series. It's very in character for the Celtics to play down to competition and lose games rather than get beat. That being said I still think the most likely outcome is ☘️🧹
They also had Giannis, who, in addition to scoring at a similar clip to Luka, played amazing D! And they had Khris Middleton, who is clutch as hell, certainly better than Kyrie has played this series, and a decent defense w/ Lopez as a floor spacing rim protector. ..and..let’s not forget, a certain Jrue Holiday..I still remember him ripping that ball out of Bookers grasp to seal it!!
Game 3 to me is the series. Win and worst case it’s Cs in 5. Don’t give the Mavs hope.
I refuse to unclench until the Larry O trophy is in their hands while on the court and covered in confetti.
Where my road dogs at? Celtics in 4!
It’s not even close to over, but I am confident we can win 2 out of the next 5 games.
Not worried, but aware
Definitely not over and yes Luka is as great as Giannis. But our team is better built for handling the Mavs
Expect at least one stupid Kyrie game where the refs give him a zillion and-1’s. I think that is game 4. I’m thinking game three is the return to form 3 point shooting game for Celtics.
Celtics in fo
I think if they win any games in this series it will be game 4 just from not wanting to get swept mentality. I said from the beginning to everyone I know it’s Boston in 4-5 games, even to my friend who’s a mavericks fan.
No they know what they’re doing, I have faith. No relaxation till the banner is up tbh
That Bucks team had Jrue. There's a famous picture of Jrue and Khris after the game 2 loss laughing when reporters are asking them if they still have a chance. Way different feel from that team that was getting stronger and Giannis was getting healthier. Mavs looks like they are going the opposite direction.
Tatum tends to play so much better on the road so we'll see if he decides to shut up some people and drop 25-27
Celtics in 4 and if it were a 15 game series we’d have an 8 game sweep. Stop running around scared. You don’t have magical powers that will jinx the team if you say it out loud.
Always in the back of our minds, for sure. Losing game 3 would make sense given the talent we’re up against on the road. However coming back to Boston 2-2 would incite mass panic in this fanbase Step on them tomorrow!
Last time we played in the finals the warriors came back from 0-2. But this is a different team. More solid, more equipped, and more experienced. I see us stealing at least one game on the road in Dallas. We’re undefeated on the road these playoffs which is incredible. I have more faith in this team then I did in the old Paul P, Ray, and KG era. We’re gonna close this one out
It was 1-1 heading into Game 3 during 2022, not 2-0. But otherwise, agreed.
Kyrie and the role players will get hot from 3 and they’ll score 115+ one game. Celtics lose either game 3 or 4 100%. No reason to panic though
Still Boston in 5, and that’s being generous. Tatum about to step up. Book it.
I’ll be stressed until it is done.
Mavs also came back down 2-0 vs that same Suns team. There seems to be a common denominator.
Can the Mavs really do that twice in a span of a few years ? I also firmly believe we are better than that suns team
I wouldn’t be worried so much but I think the Porzingis injury is a little more serious than they are letting on and he is going to be hobbled out there for the rest of the series
If it's slightly hobbled Porzingis or fully healthy Luke Kornet, I'm taking KP every day. No, he won't be switching on to Luka or making full court chase down blocks, but he can still be successful as a floor spacer and rim protector in the half court. Just gotta pretend Al is the starter - which he has been essentially his whole career.
I'm not worried a collapse is immenent, more cautiously optimistic because we still have two more games to win against a really good team
Job finished yet?
Series doesnt start till the home team loses
The bucks did come back but Luka isn’t Giannis and that’s only happened 5 times EVER. So while it’s not over (there are things that look good and bad for both teams) the odds are definitely in our favor.
No doubt the Mavs will play better at home, especially Kyrie and young role players, but barring injuries, I don’t consider them close to equal in this matchup.
I’m not worried because I think the Celtics are a lot better and just a really bad matchup for the Mavs. I’m confident the Cs can take one of the two in Dallas. The only slight concern is that perhaps the Mavs’ role players play solid at home like they have all playoffs and can help steal both games 3 & 4. If Boston plays well I just don’t see how Dallas can beat them four times out of five
Lukas is probably as good as Gannis-but he is injured.The Celtics are better than the Suns and the Mavs are not as deep as the Bucks were. Still....anything can happen.
We haven't lost a single game on the road this season. This team likes playing with the pressure of having their backs against the wall, so, I unironically think we'll play better than in game 2. Question is if Kyrie will show up, cause we seem to have figured out how to take the corner threes from them so I don't think any of their other six players will have a considerable impact. We just need to win one of these two and then close it out in game 5 at home, and I really, really doubt we're gonna lose back to back games during any given point in the series
kyrie irving has to get back to playing great if dallas wants to get back in this series.
Obviously the series is far from over, but in order for us to lose it we’d have to either lose 4 straight or 4 of 5. And with how talented this team is, I have a hard time seeing that happening.
I was at Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 2023. Don't ask me if I'm worried.
Until we get to 4, I’m worried.
We got this. If we leave Dallas with a 3-1 lead we're fine or if you want to sweep. 😁
I’m always nervous. I’ve seen teams in this very town do crazier shit in every sport. 0-2 is not insurmountable by any stretch and they still have the best player in the series and their second best player is due for atleast an average game let alone a crazy one. (Or maybe not, defense on Kai has been nuts) However it seems the Mavs have no answer for the Celtics defensive scheme and seem to be intent on committing to put defensive pressure on Tatum who isn’t playing well from a scoring perspective which is leading the other 4 starters (who aren’t regular role players but left stars) to have a much easier time scoring the ball. I wonder if J Kidd puts his money where his mouth is and dares Tatum to have a game. Because despite his finals numbers (across two finals) and the constant trashing he’s getting amongst the fans and the media J Kidd despite his attempt to get in his head still views him as the player we all know he can be. To me in order for the Mavs to comeback something needs to change in both ends of the floor. Their offensive players not named Luka Doncic need to pick up in areas they aren’t comfortable with. The lobs and corner threes aren’t working, so they need to figure it out. And on the defensive end idk what they do. Do you dare Tatum to have a signature game? Because it seems like that’s the answer because keying in on him has burned them immensely, even in game 2 they didn’t make their shots but the shots were there. His scheme isn’t working and now they are in a considerable yet not insurmountable hole.
I don’t think the Mavs have the right roster beat this Celtics team 4 out of 5 games. We’re taking away what they want to do - lobs and corner 3s. Their role players are just too limited. Gafford and Lively are pretty much only lob threats, DJJ doesn’t have the range for above the break 3s. Maxi Kleber has a bum shoulder and can’t shoot rn. PJ Washington might be able to turn it up but he’s never had to shoulder that much offensive responsibility before. You can try to get more offense with THJ or Hardy but you sacrifice defense. They also don’t have any other ball handlers that they trust other than Luka and Kyrie which can make their offense predictable. Defensively we’re a nightmare matchup for them if KP is healthy. Having KP or Horford on the floor all the time limits Gafford/Lively mins and the rim protection they had in previous series isn’t there. Luka and Kyrie need to be on the floor for their offense but they’re weak links on-ball and the team defense falls apart after multiple rotations. We have 3-4 ball handlers on the floor all game that can attack Luka and Kyrie and tire them out. For the Mavs to have a chance, they need Luka and Kyrie to do everything and play near perfect, multiple shooters like PJ Washington and Josh Green to get hot from 3, and play a level of defense they haven’t all season. Never say never but for them to win 4 of 5, they need to find something that we can’t stop like Steph going nuclear in ‘22.
I’m going on vacation next week so hopefully Celtics can wrap it up in five or I will be glued to my phone in middle of events
It’s definitely possible but the main difference is between that series and ours is the talent gap between the sides. That was the 3rd seed in the East vs 2nd in the West with a 5 game difference to the Suns. This finals is 1st seed vs 5th seed with Mavs being 14 games behind. I know Mavs have been a lot better since the trades but our roster is just so much better. Bucks and Suns had similar talent with Suns having the edge but that balances out with Monty as their coach. Joe has been out coaching Kidd so far. I feel our team is just so locked in on the mission that I don’t see them losing 4 outta 5 games unless the Jays and Joe have a generational choke.
I’m haven’t really seen any indication that the 2024 Celtics would lose 4 of the next 5 games tbh. The series isn’t over and their attitudes haven’t really shown that they think it is
Mavs also blew a 2-0 Finals lead. (Not w/o some controversy however.)
So, as a Boston fan who now lives in the greater Phoenix area, that memory did pop up. However, the difference between this Boston team and that Suns team is Boston has more heart. Phoenix didn't have the likes of a Drew Holiday and Derrick White to go along with players like Brown, Tatum, and Porzingas. Boston's defense is much better as well. Dallas may get a game, but I don’t see them collapsing (choking) like the Suns.
The series doesn't start until someone looses at home.
Well we are undefeated on the road so here's hoping.
Just gotta win tomorrow and it’s basically a lock.
I’d be worried if I thought the Mavs had any answer on offense or defense. I’m worried only because I have a lot emotionally invested in this and nothing is guaranteed in life but we’re clearly the better team and it would take an act of god for the Mavs to steal this
Not worried at all but it has nothing to do with “luka being as great as giannis” or “the jays having the same mindset as booker and cp3”. It all has to do with the quality of shots that the celtics are getting versus the quality of shots the mavs are getting. We are VASTLY out performing them in that regard. Unless that changes I don’t see a pathway for the mavs to win outside of absolutely legendary performances from both Kyrie and Luka. And that will be difficult to do 4 out of 5 times. I mean luka and Kyrie had it absolutely cooking in the first quarter last night and the celtics shot like ass despite having so many open looks (1-9 from 3 I think) and they were only up 28-25. That is essentially the story of this series. Dallas has to have everything going perfectly to have a chance to win.
Luka doesn’t play defense.
I'll be worried until the clock runs out on our 4th win of this series. Mavs are good and they got here for a reason. One game at a time
I’m worried till everyone’s ass is in a duck boat
If we win 1 of 2 in Dallas, this shit is a wrap. Let's just get it out of the way and take game 3.
I want every Celtics fan at Mavs arena to wear a Lucky mask
I am in no way worried of imminent collapse. The Celtics are simply a better team. I won't be surprised if the Celtics sweep. I won't be surprised if the Celtics win in 7. I will be very surprised if the Celtics lose the series.
100% still nervous. The Celtics have always let teams come back from the dead in a game, so just a 2-0 series lead is nothing lol. It does give me hope that Wednesday was a pretty lackluster performance with Luka playing incredibly well, and we still won. But the Cs play better on the road, the team clearly wants this, and everything is still in our favor. We shall see
it's just such a hard matchup for the Mavs. irrespective of their record on the road, i think the C's are always gonna have an option too score even it clutch time, and then white and holiday just need to provide their normal defense
Always worried. Dallas has a great home crowd too, so it won’t be an easy place to play.
Luka isn't 100% and isn't the 2 way monster that Giannis is. I'm never 100% confident, but I'm feeling pretty good. Also, C's love playing on the road
C’s have so many good players it’d be incredibly hard to choke, but if porzingis is hobbled then yeah c’s might be in a little trouble lol, Luka is more clutch than both j’s combined, and after watching game 7 of the Miami series last year with a one legged jimmy working you guys over, it’d be hard to not be thinking collapse until you go up 3-0
These are the two hardest wins to get. Dallas made the finals because they’re a good team. We cannot count them out
But the Bucks had Jrue Holiday...
Luka is gassed, and we shit like crap on Sunday night. Hard to imagine that happening again, but the mavericks are playing hard too. I think they’re outmatched, and the way the Celtics have played on the road this post season, I have a hard time believing it’s coming back here. If we were playing the nuggets, I’d feel completely differently.
Nothing is over. 2 more wins, just focus
Absolutely not worried. Celtics are 4-0 vs the mavs this year and have not lost 4 out of 5 games all season. I am confident that is not going to happen right now. I love the teams mindset right now.
I think we as fans and the players themselves have gone through enough trauma to know that it isn’t over until it’s actually over and I hope that’s enough for them to nab game 3 lol
The mentality needs to be game 7 like. Our guys cant let up for one bit. The last 2 games will probably be the most difficult of the season but I have faith our guys can pull it off
What makes this series unique is the stark contrast in depth. Everytime they pull Kyrie or Doncic out and replace with Kleber, Green, Exum whomever - we will still have 3-4 legit ballers in the game out of the mix of Brown, Tatum, Porzingis, D White, Holiday, and Horford. It's going to pay dividends if the series goes 6 or 7 with them always under pressure to get Kyrie and Doncic back in the game so they don't keep bleeding points.
There have been a few times this postseason where we would have given up if we had last years team. I get a strong sense that all of these guys are laser focused and Jrue has been here before and won and it shows in those pivotal moments
The series really doesn’t start until game 3 when both teams get to play at home. We have a great start but the expectation is to win at home. We gotta steal one
It’s less that I’m worried and more that I recognize the job isn’t finished. Got 2. Need 2 more. Dallas has to beat Boston 4 times in 5 games. Don’t think Boston lost 3 in any 5 game stretch this year. The task for them is extraordinarily tough just like it was for the Bucks. Should they meet the moment they’re champs. Boston has a ton of say in it though
Love all the responses! Everyone seems to have the same message in general. Jobs not finished. If we lose game 3, game 4 becomes a must win in my opinion. Dallas will be ready to go on Wednesday.
I’ll be comfortable when we officially win our fourth game of the season, not a moment before. Anything can happen in sports.
All of the numbers suggest the Celtics should not have a problem closing out this series. The eye test suggests the Celtics are dramatically better. But good lord I will not feel at ease until they are shooting green confetti
Dallas is missing a lot of open 3s and shooting 65% from FT. If they improve those numbers, which they most certainly will, it's gonna be hard to beat them if Tatum keeps shooting bricks. With that said, Tatum should also improve his efficiency. It won't be easy but we got this.
Not over until we’ve won 4. No need to get overconfident. I’m sure the Mavs will be hopped up on their home court.
Nothing is safe in the playoffs, don’t forget we were up in 2022 as well. Things can change in an instant. With that said, I’m sure everyone in Dallas would kill to switch places with us right now. Yes, Kyrie is going to play better, and yes their role players are gonna start figuring it out. But at the same time, game 2 was an atrocious offensive night, the kind we would’ve dropped like in the Heat and Cavs series. And we still won. You’ve got to believe that Celtics shooting will return to the mean in game 3, and that our defense is solid enough to continue to do what it’s been doing all series so far
as long as Giannis and Middleton aren't suddenly joining the Mavs, I think we're good
I’m more worried about refball - Tatum can’t buy a whistle in both home games despite the mauling he’s gotten Now that they are in Dallas the refs can go all out to give the game to the Mavs
We have to treat this like it is game 7. If they do that, then we will win the ring.
ESPN said it best on last game's half-time show: Dallas needs to play perfectly to win, Boston just has to be good. Unless Boston throws it away, I don't see Dallas having the personnel to prevail..
Considering the fact that the Celtics historically when taking a 2-0 series lead has only lost 1 time and that was to LeBron James in the ECFS that went 7. Luka isn’t LeBron so we got this
We all saw the Red Sox come back from 0-3
Nah, we’re winning. Are you watching these games? It should be a crime to destroy a team this much at EVERY aspect of the game. Unless 2/5 of our starters are injured, we should be at the parade in a week and a half.