It was the polarizing matchup that some Celtics fans were clamoring for or wanted to avoid in the first round. After a regular season of turmoil, the Brooklyn Nets sneaked into the playoffs as the number 7 seed in the play-in tournament. The interesting fact from the matchup is that the Celtics could have avoided the Nets. The team could have rested the starters which would likely lead to a loss and the number 3 or 4 seed. However, Coach Udoka decided to play the starters and take charge of their destiny as the number 2 seed. It was a bold decision but the right call in setting a culture that we will not back down from any team. However, it now sets up a tight and delicious series for the basketball world. In this article, we preview the top 5 things to watch in this must-see series.
5. Is Steve Nash on the hot seat against Ime Udoka?- Steve Nash was a superstar point guard when he destroyed teams in Mike D’Antoni’s offense in Phoenix. In September 2020, he was controversially hired by the Nets although he never had any prior coaching experience and was handed two superstar players on his roster. However, even after two years in the position, he still has a lot to prove as a Head Coach in the league. There are questions over his in-game adjustments and strategy rather than throwing the ball to his superstars to make isolation plays. On the other hand, Ime Udoka as a rookie head coach has led a turnaround in Boston. He has the Celtics playing lockdown defense as the number 1 unit in the league and his dynamic duo playing their best basketball in their career. If the Nets lose this series, then Steve Nash will be on the hot seat to lose his job.
4. Who will step up as the X-Factor?-these teams have several role players that can deliver for their teams. On the Nets roster, there is Bruce Brown, a Boston native that plays gritty on the defensive end while improving his shooting on the offensive end. Another potential x-factor is Seth Curry. He will need to make his shot against a tough Celtics defense when Kyrie or Durant drives the ball in the paint and makes the right pass. On the Celtics side, the ultimate x-factor is Marcus Smart. As his name suggests, he makes smart plays, he is a defensive player of the year candidate and has improved his playmaking this year. Another player to watch for is Derrick White. The former Spurs player, has fit in with the Celtics by being a difficult player to score against. If he makes his shots, then this team will be hard to stop.
3. Kyrie and the Celtics crowd-in October 2018, Kyrie Irving told a Celtic crowd that he wanted to stay with the franchise for the foreseeable future. However, by the off-season, Irving signed with the Brooklyn Nets. The Celtics fan base felt like the bride left at the altar, and every time he returns to the TD Garden he faces the vitriol of the home crowd. Last year after beating the Celtics, Kyrie walked to the center court and swiped his foot over the Celtics logo. The Celtics fans never forget a grudge and expect a raucous atmosphere. It will be interesting to see whether the crowd will impact Kyrie’s performance.
2. Will Ben Simmonds play, and how good will he be?- the last time Ben Simmonds was seen on a basketball floor he had a lay-up at the rim and passed the opportunity because he did not want to get fouled. The NBA insiders have received intel that Simmonds will make a return at some time in the season after suffering a back injury. It will be intriguing to see if he can play 15-20 minutes and guard an All-Star like Jayson Tatum. If he plays, Udoka will have to strategize whether to leave him open to test his jump shots or send him to the foul line.
1. Which All-Star Duo Will Be Better?-the NBA is all about superstars in the playoffs. In this matchup, it will be interesting to see whether Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving can dominate the excellent Celtics’ defense. On the opposite side, it will be fascinating to watch if Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown can match the Nets’ dynamic duo and knock out the Nets. If the Celtics duo can keep the points tally close, then the Celtics will be in a good position to win this series.
Prediction- this will be one of the best series of the first round. However, I have the Celtics winning in 6 games. I think defense requires effort and intensity, and the Celtics have been the best unit this year, and the Nets have struggled to play at that level consistently. As the saying goes, defense wins Championships.