The Boston Celtics have secured their first win of the second spherical. They decimated the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday night time. However, they nonetheless should safe one other three wins earlier than progressing to the Japanese Convention Finals, the place they’ll face both the Indiana Pacers or New York Knicks.
One participant who is aware of what it’s wish to face the Celtics (and to characterize the Pacers), is Roy Hibbert. The two-Time All-Star and 1-time All-Defensive Second Crew choice had his fair proportion of battles with the Celtics throughout his profession. He has additionally been a part of the Philadelphia 76ers group, constantly falling brief towards the present core.
Talking on the most recent episode of “The Celtics Chronicle” podcast, Hibbert shared his ideas on the playoffs and who the Celtics might doubtlessly face within the subsequent spherical.
“I feel the Celtics would slightly play Indiana as a result of they wish to rise up and down the courtroom and don’t fear an excessive amount of about protection,” Thibodeau stated. “By way of the Knicks, they play seven gamers. [Tom Thibodeau] he wears them down. I’m fearful concerning the longevity of the Knicks with solely enjoying seven gamers however he has these guys locked in.”
In fact, the Celtics ought to have greater than both of these groups can deal with in a seven-game sequence. Joe Mazzulla’s group has been constructing towards an NBA Finals run all season. Loads of that success has come on the defensive finish, the place the Celtics have shone with a stifling perimeter defensive system and a few elite rim safety.
With out Porzingis within the rotation, Hibbert believes the Celtics ought to double down on their offensive output.
“The offense is simply too good by way of what you guys are doing on the opposite finish. Don’t sacrifice the offense for somewhat little bit of protection. Now, see, a Joker in Denver will hand over a layup, and he’s simply, like, inbounding that factor rapidly as hell. So, it’s like, the protection isn’t that a lot of an element anymore. So, I say, No matter you are able to do to maintain the offense going, you do it.”
The interview additionally touched on how “Nash” dribbling can put a giant man in a bind or drive paint-switching and result in miscommunication, the expansion of Aaron Nesmith in Indiana, why Luke Kornet is the perfect prototype for a non-shooting huge getting into the NBA, and the significance of two-way gamers and the way that may create locker-room management.
You possibly can watch the total episode by clicking on the embedded hyperlink above or by tuning in on Apple or Spotify. Subscribe to by no means miss a brand new episode.