5 Things We Learned About the Boston Celtics in the ECF

Al Horford stepped up, but Boston needs Kristaps Porzingis back for Finals

Following the injury of Kristaps Porzingis, the Celtics backup big man proved how reliable he is while stepping up in the Unicorn’s absence. Al Horford averaged 12.8 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.8 blocks, and one steal through four games against the Pacers in the ECF. And while the 37-year-old has stepped up big, the Celtics desperately need Porzingis to return to the floor. Not only does the seven-foot-three big man add another dangerous element to the Celtics offense, but he also provides much-needed rim protection with his shot-blocking ability. In addition, his return would allow Horford to go back to the bench and bolster Boston’s rotation, which is much needed considering how poor the Celtics' contribution off the bench was in the ECF. The C's could get back to double big lineups, which will be much needed against either the Mavericks or Timberwolves. If Porzingis returns during the Finals as expected, Boston’s chances to raise their 18th banner increase.

The Celtics have the best two-way duo in the league

Throughout their postseason run, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have proven they are one of the best offensive duos in the league. But aside from their offense, Tatum and Brown can defend with the best of them with their versatility on defense. Tatum ended the conference finals, averaging 30.3 points, 10.3 rebounds, 6.3 assists, and 1.3 steals through four games. Despite Tatum’s impressive series, Brown still won the ECF MVP award, averaging 29.8 points, five rebounds, three assists, and two steals per game, including a few substantial defensive stops on the road to help end the series. Looking ahead, Boston’s star duo will have a chance to end their historic season the right way and put the outside noise to rest with a title.

Jrue Holiday will be a huge key in the NBA Finals

Jrue Holiday has been known as one of the best defensive players in the league for many years. And while that’s true, the six-foot-four guard has shown throughout his career just how good of an all-around offensive player he is. Although Holiday’s offensive production took a hit this year with the Celtics, it has more to do with his role on the team and how stacked Boston is. With Kristaps Porzingis going down, Holiday stepped up on offense for the C’s, especially against the Pacers. In the ECF, the UCLA product averaged 18.5 points, seven rebounds, 5.8 assists, and 1.5 steals. Now, with a chance to get his second ring, Holiday will play a massive role for the Celtics if they hope to bring home the hardware in the NBA Finals.

Joe Mazzulla has improved in his second postseason run

Joe Mazzulla was heavily criticized following his first season as the Celtics coach, especially after his team lost in the Eastern Conference Finals a year ago to a lackluster Heat roster. The head coach was critiqued for his lack of postseason adjustments, rotation choices, and decision-making regarding timeouts and challenges. However, in his second season with the team, he’s proven to learn from his mistakes, and with his coaching staff under him and an entire offseason, Mazzulla earned multiple votes for NBA Coach of the Year. In the postseason, the 35-year-old has outcoached two of the best coaches in the league, Erik Spoelstra and Rick Carlisle. Mazzulla’s role with the team is just as important as the star players, and he’s stepped up to the challenge during the team’s playoff run.

Boston is more battle-tested than they’re given credit for

Boston has been the talk of the media for nearly the entirety of the postseason. Despite their impressive record of 12-2 in the playoffs, the media has reiterated the belief that the Celtics aren’t battle-tested and have yet to play against a team that poses a real challenge. And while they have certainly gotten a bit of luck throughout their postseason run, they can’t control the health of their opponents. The Celtics' only job is to play the team in front of them and the players they have on the floor, and they’ve done just that with a reasonably dominant run to the NBA Finals. However, to say they’re not battle-tested or have yet to face adversity is nonsense. Boston, too, has faced injuries, lost two games at home, and adjusted their play style against one of the best and quickest offenses in NBA history, the Pacers. Not only that, but the Celtics have managed to stay undefeated on the road throughout the playoffs, including two double-digit comebacks to seal the series. With their poise coming through at the end of the games, Boston has shown that their core has the experience to win it all.

Al Horford stepped up, but Boston needs Kristaps Porzingis back for Finals

Following the injury of Kristaps Porzingis, the Celtics backup big man proved how reliable he is while stepping up in the Unicorn’s absence. Al Horford averaged 12.8 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.8 blocks, and one steal through four games against the Pacers in the ECF. And while the 37-year-old has stepped up big, the Celtics desperately need Porzingis to return to the floor. Not only does the seven-foot-three big man add another dangerous element to the Celtics offense, but he also provides much-needed rim protection with his shot-blocking ability. In addition, his return would allow Horford to go back to the bench and bolster Boston’s rotation, which is much needed considering how poor the Celtics' contribution off the bench was in the ECF. The C's could get back to double big lineups, which will be much needed against either the Mavericks or Timberwolves. If Porzingis returns during the Finals as expected, Boston’s chances to raise their 18th banner increase.