For the last several months, many fans and analysts have said the Boston Celtics were on an easy path to the NBA Finals.
They faced multiple teams that were lacking their best stars throughout the playoffs and some felt things were very easy for them.
Appearing on the “Dan Patrick Show,” Dave McMenamin said that Thursday night’s win over the Dallas Mavericks proved that the Celtics have earned their place in the Finals.
“Last night was a reminder, despite not being battle tested in the first three rounds, because they faced opponents that were missing their stars, that they were the number one team throughout the regular season for a reason,” McMenamin said.
” Last night was a reminder despite not being battle tested in the 1st three rounds, because they faced opponents that were missing their stars, that they were the no. 1 team throughout the regular season for a reason.”
–@Mcten on the #Celtics in Game 1 pic.twitter.com/aoBWohnBWN
— Dan Patrick Show (@dpshow) June 7, 2024
The Celtics first faced the short-handed Miami Heat in the opening round of the playoffs, followed by the limited Cleveland Cavaliers and Indiana Pacers.
It’s easy to see why so many fans feel that they had a cakewalk to this point in the postseason.
But the Mavericks are fully healthy, despite a nagging knee injury that is bothering Luka Doncic, and the Celtics still reigned supreme during Game 1.
McMenamin said that if the Mavericks wish to stay in this series, they will have to play like they did during the third quarter.
During that period, Dallas was able to shut down multiple Celtics stars and Doncic was shooting wonderfully.
It gave Mavericks fans hope but the Celtics rebounded and rebuilt their massive lead, resulting in a major blowout win.
There is no denying that the Celtics caught some lucky breaks on the way to the Finals but there is also no denying that they were the best team in the NBA all season long.
No matter how easy or hard their postseason has been, the Celtics should be feared.
NEXT:
Magic Johnson Praises Celtics Veteran After Game 1 Win
