Boston Celtics: 5 keys to conference finals vs. Cavaliers

The Boston Celtics are back in the Eastern Conference Finals for the second year in a row after a playoff run not many thought possible.

Much like their opponent, the Boston Celtics have overcome a host of issues to return to the 2018 Eastern Conference Finals, where they’ll face the off against the team responsible for their playoff demise last year, the Cleveland Cavaliers.

After two impressive series victories against the Milwaukee Bucks and Philadelphia 76ers, Boston rides into the conference frinals with as much momentum as any of the four teams left.

Terry Rozier has asserted himself as one of the best young guards in the game. Both Al Horford and Brad Stevens continue to show just how valuable they are to the cause, and Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are playing like they’re in their primes.

Boston’s defense is as great as it’s ever been, with versatility at all positions allowing them to switch at a moments notice.

Doubted at every turn, the Celtics weren’t supposed to get to this point, especially after the loss of All-Star Kyrie Irving. With as much of a team effort as we’ve seen in recent years, they’ve proven the non-believers wrong every step of the way.

Even with all that was mentioned above, including home-court advantage, defeating a Cavs team that appears to be peaking at just the right time will be a tall task.

That doesn’t make it impossible, though, as their execution throughout the 48 minutes will be key to what many would consider an upset.