The Challenge of Closing Out on the Road
Ask any former NBA champion and they’ll confirm the high degree of difficulty in closing out a series on the opponent’s home court.
The Boston Celtics haven’t faced many challenges in a 2024 postseason where they’ve lost only twice — a superb run made possible by their superior depth, solid production at both ends, and yes, key injuries on other teams.
However, beating the Dallas Mavericks in Game 4 (8:30 ET, ABC) of the NBA Finals to complete a sweep on Friday? That could be quite the task, perhaps their biggest yet.
The Hunger Game for the Celtics
It’s human nature to ease off when the end seems inevitable. And if you doubt this, then you have a short memory. Didn’t the Celtics nearly blow a 21-point fourth-quarter lead on Wednesday?
If Boston can’t resist the urge to relax, then Game 4 could give the Mavs a chance to prolong the series and send it back to Boston.
Crashing hard for rebounds, tightening up defensively, working for easier shots — the Mavericks will be, or at least should be, hell-bent on winning those energy plays. They have the personnel for that; the problem is, players like Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford have been neutralized so far.
“Just because we’re down 3-0, it’s not finished,” Lively said. “It’s only going to come down to us putting all we can on the floor, trying to win little battles because that’s what’s going to get us the game. Winning the rebounding game, the transition game, and then just trying to stop them from what they’re trying to do.”
If the Celtics match the Mavs’ projected intensity, then it’s probably a wrap given Boston’s obvious talent advantage. But again, human nature...
“We’re just locked in,” said guard Derrick White. “We know what’s at stake. We understand that close-out games are the toughest, and we come with an extra edge.”
### Jaylen Brown Securing Another Bag
Let’s get to the so-called downside of Jaylen Brown’s last 12 months. Don’t worry, this will be quick:
- He didn’t make any of the All-NBA teams.
- He wasn’t chosen for the 2024 Olympic Team.
That’s it. Otherwise, life’s been good. Great, actually.
Last summer, Brown signed the richest contract in NBA history. Last month, he was voted the most outstanding player of the Eastern Conference Finals. And he’s a good performance away from being named Finals MVP, where he is the current favorite.
What a life-changing run for Brown, long overshadowed by Tatum, now making a push to be considered one of the league’s best players.
He seems built for a strong finish to this series. Not only is he blessed with obvious all-around skills, but he’s also likely sensing the opportunity to win two trophies — the Larry O’Brien and Bill Russell.
To this point, Brown has been the Celtics’ most consistent, reliable, and best player in this series. And he isn’t showing any signs of slippage.
### Kyrie Irving’s Leadership
He once helped a team rally from a 3-1 deficit to win a championship. He hit one of the biggest shots in NBA Finals history. And throughout this season, he has presented himself as a changed player — mature, wise.
If your team is one defeat away from losing the NBA Finals, it’s best to have Kyrie on it.
Who would’ve guessed that it would be Kyrie, and not Luka, as the calmer presence among the Mavs’ star backcourt? While one has battled an aching body and the referees, the other has shown accountability and a pledge to be better.
And Kyrie said Thursday he’ll offer advice if asked by Luka on how to handle the moment facing them.
“There are a lot of first-timers on this stage,” he said. “I’ve said it over the past week or so, it’s a new space for me, too, just being with these guys and being tested at this level.
“But my message to him is he’s not alone in this. He’s played as best as he can despite the circumstances, just injuries and stuff. He’s been giving it his all. It’s not all on him. Being under the microscope in this business is a lot different for me now because I’m able to put the big picture of life in perspective and also the game in perspective. It comes easier.”
Potential X-Factors
Derrick White has this on lock — his play at both ends, and especially his willingness to seize the moment, has been a massive advantage for the Celtics. If he’s open in a tight game, he’ll shoot; please refer to his big 3-pointer late in Game 3.
“It’s playing with great players,” he explained. “They put me in a position to be in those moments, and they trust me. I just try to be confident throughout it all and trust the work that I’ve put in.”
Other candidates for Game 4?
Derrick Jones Jr. is due. It’s been a quiet series so far for a player who thrives on corner 3-pointers, lob passes for dunks, and defense. All of that was on display throughout the playoffs, then disappeared during the Finals. Jones bet on himself last summer with a minimal one-year contract with Dallas. With a summer of free agency approaching, it’s time he tries to win that bet.
Dereck Lively II could rebound. And dunk. And make it hard for the Celtics in the paint if Porzingis is an injury scratch. Lively had his best game of the series on Wednesday with an 11-13 double-double. His energy and ability to coax Al Horford into foul trouble would loom large.
Sam Hauser can shoot. The Celtics know that, or at least rediscovered it after Hauser erased a chilly Game 2 (0-5 shooting) by scoring nine points in 14 minutes in Game 3. His ability to stretch the floor and allow Tatum and Brown to go iso makes a big difference on a team that feasts on 3s and spacing.
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