Boston Celtics May Have Just Enough To Shock Golden State Warriors In NBA Finals

Boston -- The Boston Celtics are going to the NBA Finals for the first time in 12 years after taking out the Miami Heat in a hotly-contested Game 7 victory, 100-96.

The Celtics jumped out to an early lead in the first quarter as they outscored the Heat, 32-17, thanks to a balanced scoring outburst from the entire team.

Boston’s “Big Three” of Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and Marcus Smart all played pivotal roles in bringing home the win after combining for 74 of their 100 points.

Miami had multiple opportunities to get back into this game, even mounting an 11-0 run late in the fourth to come within two points with less than 20 seconds left on the clock, but an ill-advised Jimmy Butler three-point attempt submarined their chances.

Tatum’s efforts throughout this series saw him be awarded as the inaugural Eastern Conference Finals MVP after averaging 25 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 5.6 assists throughout the seven games.

With each conference having crowned their respective champions, NBA fans now look forward to seeing the Celtics and Golden State Warriors tussle it out in Game 1 of the NBA Finals on June 2.

Having their series extend to Game 7 was surely something that the Celtics did not want, but it may turn out to be a blessing in disguise for them.

The Warriors have been enjoying an extended break since ending the Dallas Mavericks’ season last Thursday, May 26 in five games.

While it is highly unlikely that a well-oiled machine like the Warriors is going to need any time to shake off court rust, the Celtics have the perfect blend of youth and talent that can take Golden State to its limit.

Stephen Curry will surely be matched up with NBA Defensive Player of the Year in Smart, Brown gets to showcase his two-way talent against Andrew Wiggins, and Klay Thompson has a date with Tatum for this entire series.

The battle of the benches is also going to be expected between these two squads as they both have players that can make an instant impact when their numbers get called upon.

Ime Udoka will pit his coaching pedigree that he earned under the tutelage of all-time great Gregg Popovich with the San Antonio Spurs against that of a three-time champion coach in Steve Kerr.

Injury concerns are also going to be a storyline to watch as statuses of Smart and big man Robert Williams III are going to be heavily monitored by the Celtics, while it has been rumored that defensive ace Gary Payton II might make a return in the Finals according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.

This year’s finalists were not expected to make the Finals at all as many believed that the Milwaukee Bucks and Phoenix Suns were going to run it back, but both squads failed to make it past the second round.

The Warriors are minus-160 favorites to win it all, while the Celtics are plus-130 underdogs to win it all.

They have both proven that odds were made to be broken, and the finals is a must-watch for any basketball fan.

With how balanced these two teams are, it would not be surprising at all to see this series go to seven, but the Celtics’ combination of youth and desire might be enough to win it all and claim their record-breaking 18th NBA Championship.

However, the Warriors can also make a run to the title if their firepower led by Curry, Thompson, Wiggins and Jordan Poole can go step-for-step with the Celtics, they can also lay claim to the title and further cement their place in NBA history as one of the winningest dynasties.