Key Takeaways:
– Boston Celtics reach the Eastern Conference Finals for the third straight season, set to face Indiana Pacers.
– Despite consistently strong performance, former All-Star Isaiah Thomas doubts Celtics’ chances for 18th franchise title in 2024.
– Thomas suggests that the winner of the Wolves/Nuggets series will win the NBA Finals.
– Despite Thomas’s prediction, Celtics showcases NBA-best record of 64-18, finishing regular season strong.
– Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown’s leadership abilities are yet to cement the post-season confidence.
For the third consecutive season, the Boston Celtics have made it to the final four in the Eastern Conference. The team’s performance has put them against the Indiana Pacers in the Conference Finals round. However, despite their steady progress over the years, former Celtics All-Star Isaiah Thomas has doubts about the team’s chances of clinching their 18th franchise title this year.
Celtics’ Performance in Previous Seasons
The Celtics’ impressive show in recent seasons has led many to hope for their 18th NBA championship title this year. In a dramatic turn of events, they reached the championship round in 2022 and narrowly missed in Game 7 of the conference finals in 2023.
The team’s win in the 2008 championship, their 17th franchise title, came by defeating the Los Angeles Lakers. Yet, getting over this hump to another championship has proven to be a struggle.
Duo Tatum and Brown in Focus
Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, the dynamic duo, have consistently been at the forefront of the Celtics’ journey. They’ve been on the team that reached the Eastern Conference Finals five times together, without winning a title yet.
In this quest for victory, they were backed significantly by the team’s front office led by Brad Stevens. Importantly, this year also saw the arrival of veterans Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis. This formidable addition has helped shape one of the NBA’s best starting five at the Celtics.
Thomas’s Prediction Casts Doubts
Despite a regular season record of 64-18, the best in the NBA, and two playoff victories in five games, the Celtics still have doubters. One of the chief skeptics is none other than their former All-Star, Isaiah Thomas.
His prediction during Game 7 of the Wolves/Nuggets series subtly indicated a lack of confidence in the Celtics’ ability to win. He stated, “Whoever wins this series is going to win the whole thing.” Although Thomas didn’t explicitly name a winner for the NBA Finals, he certainly ruled the Celtics out, suggesting that Tatum and Brown need to demonstrate their ability to lead the team to victory while under the postseason pressure.
Thomas’s Eventful Journey with the Celtics
Isaiah Thomas, a 5-foot-9 point guard, bounced around between the Sacramento Kings and Phoenix Suns before making a significant impact with the Celtics.
In two full seasons with the Celtics, Thomas earned All-Star honors and produced commendable statistics. Thomas led the team to perform under the most challenging circumstances, including processing the tragic death of his sister in 2017.
Having left the Celtics after a memorable journey to join Cleveland Cavaliers in a trade for Kyrie Irving, Thomas remains a beloved figure in Boston. His recent statement, albeit unexpected, is unlikely to provoke any significant upset among Boston fans.
In conclusion, it remains to be seen if Boston Celtics can prove their former All-Star wrong by securing their 18th NBA championship in 2024.