The Celtics Title Defense Rolls On After They Pack Up The Magic In A Quick 5 Games

Maddie Meyer. Getty Images.

NOW THAT'S MORE LIKE IT.

After 4 grueling games heading into Game 5, we were due for a game like this, and when I say game like this, what I really mean is a final 24 minutes like this. Eventually, the water was going to break through the damand the Celtics were going to look much more like the Celtics we watched all year. Threes were going to start dropping, they were going to stop turning the ball over, and possession after possession they were going to blugeon you to death with dagger three after dagger three. Once that ball gets rolling and the Celtics have you scrambling, you're dead. You're deader than dead. 

Big picture, the Celts did what they were supposed to do. They didn't play with their food and got out of their first round series quickly. Given that NYK/DET is still alive, it was even more important that the Celts take care of their shit in Game 5. Given how poorly they played in the first half, that wasn't exactly a guarantee. Everything about the first 24 minutes was exactly what we all hate when it comes to this team playing bozo basketball. Every single area you need to be on top of in a game like this, the Celts were horrendous at in the first half. Ball security, outside shooting, rebounding, point of attack defense, FTs, it was all bad. The fact that they were only down 2 points at the break was a prayer, but it was also an opportunity. They stayed attached despite playing like dogshit, and they were given new life.

What they did with that new life, is why the Champs are moving onto the next round. Derrick White's early charge on Paolo to get him his 3rd foul is what got things started, and from that moment on after a couple of Jaylen fouls on Paolo the Celts ripped off a 30-9 run to effectively end the series

You could feel the momentum start to shift after that White play, which is usually how things go involving Derrick White. Guy just knows how to swing a game by doing something awesome. From there, Jayson Tatum did the rest

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If we've said it once, we've said it a thousand times. It really is as simple as the Boston Celtics have Jayson Tatum and your favorite team does not. Mind you, this was the 2nd best defense in the NBA this season. Tatum barely has one working wrist. Does it matter? No. Of course it doesn't you silly goose. We are witnessing a generational Celtic at work. One of the greatest playoff performers in NBA history (fact, not opinion). This, is simply what Jayson Tatum does.

Once the dam was broken, the rest of his pals decided to show up as well. Jaylen Brown was also great, with 23 points on 9-18 shooting, a couple of threes, and limited turnovers. Payton Pritchard and Sam Hauser finally made 3s, KP still can't beat a switch to save his fucking life, but whatever. Al Horford exists. Luke finally played like he had two working hands and a functioning brain. For the first time all series, the Celtics felt like themselves again for those 24 minutes.

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Essentially, the Celtics played Celtics basketball and immediately blew doors. You don't have to overcomplicate things sometimes, just be normal. Be yourself. Play smart, play with confidence, and impose your will. When the Celts do that, I don't care what defense is in front of them. They go to levels not many teams can reach, and certainly not a Magic team that can't score. 

In the end, it's a relief to be out of this series, and really the only injury to deal with as a result of it is Jrue's hammy. Given how this series was looking earlyon, that's a welcomed surprise. I just love that this team didn't play with their food and lose a game they had no business losing. That was SO important to their run last year, so it feels great to get off to a similar start in their title defense journey.

We'll dive in more in the morning. For now, exhale, and refill your glass. The Celts are moving on.

4 down, 12 to go