With the Celtics just one win away from hanging Banner No. 18, they’ll need to resist the urge to relax too early. After all, even though they have a commanding 3-0 lead on the Mavericks, they still need to close out the NBA Finals with one last win.
But the C’s — who have struggled in close-out games in past seasons — have been perfect these playoffs in those situations. Not only are they a perfect 7-0 in road playoff games, they’re also a perfect 3-0 in close-out games. They haven’t let opposing teams have a chance to breathe some life into a series, instead closing out every series without much trouble.
So with Game 4 set for 8:30 p.m. Friday in Dallas, the C’s will look to get that final win to immortalize themselves in history. And Jayson Tatum pinpointed why he thinks they’re so good in close-out opportunities thus far these playoffs.
“Our ability to go over situational basketball during practice,” Tatum said. “Going over situational basketball in practice and in shootarounds and understanding what we want to do in those moments, what plays and reads we want to go over in late-game situations, so when those moments do come about throughout the game, we’re comfortable. We know what we’re trying to run, what we’re trying to get to, the different options from each set.”
The Celtics have had a steadiness throughout the playoffs that haven’t been there in past years. That’s a credit to them and Joe Mazzulla’s coaching staff. Notably, the C’s haven’t lost a clutch game as they’re now a perfect 6-0 in such games. The Mavericks, who have been lauded for their clutch prowess, dropped to 6-5 in those games after the Game 3 loss to the C’s.
As Tatum said, the Celtics’ current motto is “however long it takes.” It’s notably different than just one more victory, which is all that stands between them and the history books. But this C’s team has dominated the rest of the league these playoffs, not only having the best record in the regular season but also putting together a 15-2 playoff record. So all they need to do is pick up that final victory.
“I credited last year a lot to the success that we’re having this season,” Tatum said. “We were so consumed with getting back to the Finals, in a good way, but I think especially when we got to the playoffs, we were just ready to get back to June. In some ways skipping steps. … Last year was a great learning experience. For one, to not take things for granted. You’re never promised to make it back to the Finals.”
