It’s not the first time this core of Boston Celtics players have been to the NBA Finals.
However, this time, they might be able to get the job done.
This Celtics team had a reputation for crumbling under pressure or taking their foot off the gas and losing games they should’ve won.
That hasn’t been the case this season.
They’re riding a ten-game winning streak in the playoffs, including a perfect 3-0 in the NBA Finals.
Notably, a lot of that has had to do with Joe Mazzulla and the way he’s had his players ready to perform on any given night.
Recently, the second-year coach revealed that he’s been showing the players a lot of UFC fights to let them know that the closer you are to beating someone, the closer you are to getting your butt kicked (via Noa Dalzell).
Joe Mazzulla has been regularly showing the players UFC fights:
“The closer you are to beating someone, the close you are to getting your ass kicked.”
Pretty funny segment from Joe for his last question before Game 3 pic.twitter.com/X9UUrqQ7bc
— Noa Dalzell 🏀 (@NoaDalzellNBA) June 12, 2024
That’s an interesting analogy, and a very accurate one.
The Celtics knew the Dallas Mavericks would come out firing at all cylinders, as they had a greater sense of urgency after heading back home and facing a 0-2 deficit.
Still, they were able to endure the beating before landing some punches of their own and storming back to win the game.
The Mavericks have no room for error and will play like a team that has nothing to lose going forward, and that’s when any team is the most dangerous.
The Celtics are just one win away from an NBA championship, and no team has ever blown a 3-0 lead in the NBA Finals.
NEXT:
Magic Johnson Reacts To Celtics’ Game 3 Win Over Mavericks
