It doesn’t take much insight to say the Celtics need to be at their best to beat the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals. But what is their best in this series?
I’m sitting the boys down, pulling my coach’s whistle over my head, hiking my shorts up to my belly button, and giving them the talk of a lifetime to let them know just what’s needed as they take the floor for a chance at a championship.
Jayson Tatum: Aggressiveness
Pick your spots to attack in the middle of the Warriors defense. You’ll get blitzed and forced off the ball some, but you also need to hit the Warriors with some counters to the blitzes. When you know a double is coming, try to split it and get into the lane or maybe draw a foul. Make them pay for the strategy in a way that involves something other than accomplishing their goal.
You’re a superstar. You’re First-Team All-NBA. Go pick them apart.
Jaylen Brown: Discipline
Stay down on pump fakes on defense. Be an effective helper without losing your man in the corner. On offense, drive with a purpose and don’t pick up your dribble when you get into trouble. Don’t be afraid to give the ball up and then cut to get it back.
There will be less swiping and more space to move. This could be a big series for you if you play within yourself, stay disciplined, and control the ball.
Marcus Smart: Patience
They are going to dare you to shoot, so don’t give into the temptation right away. I know there's an ego at stake and a chip on your shoulder that says “oh yeah, I’ll make you pay for this,” but understand that you can blow up their defense by continuing the attack even on wide open shots.
That's not to say pass up all the open shots. There are times that shot can fly, but there are probably more times that the drive is going to be the better play. Don’t fall into their traps.
Al Horford: Steady hand
Honestly, just keep doing what you’re doing. You’re the OG. You’re Obi Wan. Guide these guys.
Robert Williams: Acceptance
I don’t know how badly your knee is hurting, Rob, but here’s the deal: you’re going to have to play, and you’re going to have to find a way to be effective.
This is where pros separate themselves. You just watched Jimmy Butler will his team to one win in an elimination game and nearly the series. This is what the best of the best do.
So accept that the knee isn’t going to let you be yourself and figure out how to be the best of what’s left. This is a critically important part of not only the team’s chances of winning, but your own personal growth.
And hey, maybe you can actually be yourself after a few days off. That would be great. But even if you’re not, learn to stay disciplined, stay under control, and adjust your game to account for your body.
Grant Williams: Self-awareness
Do your job, and do it well. You don't have to have eight assists. You don’t have to be a highlight, and-one finisher. On offense, take the 3-pointers that you get, attack the closeouts and make the next right play, and get back into position for the next shot when you get it.
You will get a lot of shot opportunities. Don’t try to do too much and you will do just enough.
Side note: Stop it with the refs. Get back on defense.
Derrick White: Ferocity
The Miami series was probably your best basketball in Boston. Let’s build on that. Take that aggression that you showed and turn the dial up to 10. Let’s see that inner ferocity on offense and pick on some of the weaker defenders you’re going to see. I’m good with you carrying things offensively if you’re going to play at that level.
The White trade has the potential to be franchise-altering in a much bigger way than people understand. We could look back on this trade in a few years and realize that it was a huge heist.
Payton Pritchard: Guts
I really don’t think I need to tell you anything, Payton. Be the bulldog that bites everyone’s ankles as usual.
Daniel Theis: Focus
This could be a big series for you. All I can ask is that you be ready for when your number is called.
Just focus on filling those gaps, setting the good picks, boxing out, being in the right position. Just be that cog in the wheel that keeps it moving when you’re called upon.
Everyone else: Preparedness
Glenn McDonald came off the bench and saved the Celtics in their triple overtime win in Game 5 of the 1976 NBA Finals. A championship series will always present the opportunity for something weird to happen.
Whoever it is, Aaron Nesmith, Nik Stauskas, Luke Kornet … anyone. Just be ready. You could be a hero.
Alright boys. Hit the showers, get some rest, and grab some orange wedges on your way out.