We're less than two hours from tip-off (likely much closer by the time this blog publishes) of Game 1 of the 2023 Eastern Conference Finals, and I am so fucking pumped (and nervous) about the Boston Celtics.
The road to their 5th ECF in seven seasons was a bumpy one. The C's found themselves on the brink of elimination against Philly but battled back thanks to five fantastic quarters from Jayson Tatum/Doc Rivers existing.
There were moments when it looked like we might not get here, but all that matters now is that we're still alive with an incredible opportunity ahead of us. I can say we/us because I BLEEN GREEN.
For the 3rd time in four seasons, it's Boston vs. Miami for a trip to the Finals. Miami won in 6 in the bubble, and the C's won in 7 last year (highlighted by three wins in Miami). This year is the rubber match between these cores. I've seen plenty of C's in 5 takes and learned my mistakes after disrespecting the Sixers. This Miami team is not your average #8 seed. Jimmy Butler is playing like a top 5 player in the league, and Erik Spoelstra is an elite coach, likely the best in the NBA. While I expected the C's to win this series, it's far from a lock. The numbers below don't mean shit. All that matters is what happens on the court in the next 4-7 games.
Despite a 57-win season, turnovers, poor rebounding, and questionable coaching decisions have lingered all year. Those are my three most significant concerns with this team. I love JT and hope he's broken through the funk with this recent hot streak, but it wouldn't shock me if he came out tonight and put up like a 6/23 night. I'd love to be wrong, but Miami is legit. They're not as good as last year, but they're still a deep team with plenty of guys who can burn you. Like their home state of Florida, they've got plenty of shooters. Bam scares the shit out of me. Kyle Lowry's fat ass will end up hitting some crazy ass shots. I'm sure Kevin Love will have a night where he plays like it's 2012.
I can't stand the Heat, but I can't help but respect what they've accomplished. They made quick work of the Bucks, handled the Knicks, and found themselves right where they were last season. If you asked anybody on that roster, they'd tell you they expected to be here. Hand up, I'm currently battling a nasty case of hives from this medication I'm taking for my back, so I'm a little in my head rn about my writing and honestly don't even want to write right now. I'd rather be scratching all the skin of my legs, but it's Game 1 night, and I am so fucking pumped about this team and the opportunity in front of them I had to battle through, just like the players do. It's the playoffs. Everybody's banged up. You still gotta perform. I'm playing hurt. The C's have a championship-caliber squad, and no words I post on my passion project blog will impact what happens on the court. The C's are the better team, but so were the 2007 Patriots. Jimmy Buckets and Spo still scare the shit out of me. (Is bitch boi Tyler Herro coming back?) I feel like Jimmy has at least one 50 burger in him. I could easily see the Heat taking one of the first two in Boston....honestly tonight is a good Heat ML night based on the C's Game 1 track record. Miami won two games in the Garden in last year's ECF. They're sort of like the Ravens to the early 2010s Patriots. They're not scared of us. The Heat have shown multiple times they can beat the C's. It pains me to say it, but it is undeniably true...the Heat have been a more successful franchise for the last 20 years. They've won 3 titles and played in 6. Meanwhile, we're 1-2 in the NBA Finals: Presented by YoutubeTV. But the C's are hungry. They got a taste of the NBA Finals: Presented by YoutubeTV last year, and had an excellent opportunity to win them playing a home game up 2-1, but we all know they lost three straight, and the season was over. There's indeed some Unfinished Business that needs to be taken care of. These C's have learned from their mistakes and have been battle tested. I would've liked to beat Philly in 5 for rest purposes, but I think the Celtics are better off experiencing another Game 7. They performed best with their backs against the walls. I don't really have anything else to say other than I really fucking hope we win because a championship would do a lot in numbing all the not-super-chill stuff happening in my life rn. But before you win the NBA Finals: Presented by YoutubeTV, you gotta win the East. It won't be easy, but my obviously biased, hive covered ass has C's in 6. Tatum wins ECF MVP again. I'll be back with my thoughts after the game. GO CELTICS!
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