For the 8th time in their history, and this is a record, the Celtics and the Sixers will face each other in Game 7! It’s been a playoff classic since the very inception of the NBA, and Marcus Smart compares this decisive match to the greatest rivalry in boxing history!
“It’s Frazier versus Ali” he throws. “You have to be ready. The teams feel good, 1st round, 2nd round… We feel good, they feel good… Now we’re back at 0 – 0. It’s the last game. Who will win ? »
Fans, like players, only dream of Game 7. This moment when the NBA joins the NCAA or international basketball with a season or a title that is played over a game. Marcus Smart continues in the pugilistic metaphor.
“We only need a victory, it’s up to whoever wants it more. It’s going to be a bloodbath… We have to take the blows. They pile up, but we must continue. Whatever happens, we stay the course. We have a game plan, we know what we want to do and we have to stick to it. No matter what happens on the pitch, no matter if things don’t go our way, no matter if the shots don’t fall in, we have to keep attacking”.
A Game 7 is played on details and simple things
For his coach, no warrior speech or reference to boxing. For Joe Mazzulla, a Game 7 is played on simple things and details.
“The simplest things are the most important” he assures. “It’s about adjustments, technical quality and everything else, but also about simple details: not losing offensive rebounds, not committing fouls, sprinting in transition, making sure our shot selection and our reading of the game helps us to defend on the half court. And when we are placed in defense, we must be welded, connected and communicate. These are the things that are important.”
For Mazzulla, it all boils down to one word: execution. “In combat as in battle, detail, focus and execution are important” he concludes. “I think that’s what you have to lean on when you’re back against the wall? You have to lean on the other. You have to rely on execution. This is the mindset to have. »
