Boston Celtics

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 08: Marcus Smart #36 and Robert Williams III #44 of the Boston Celtics react to a play in the fourth quarter against the Golden State Warriors during Game Three of the 2022 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 08, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

Boston Celtics weather Golden State Warriors storm, take 2-1 Finals lead

The Golden State Warriors dominated, but the Boston Celtics are still alive

Jayson Tatum’s playmaking remains crucially inconsistent for the Celtics

Golden State Warriors explode, tie NBA Finals at one game apiece

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 02: Head coach Ime Udoka of the Boston Celtics speaks to his team during a timeout in the fourth quarter against the Golden State Warriors in Game One of the 2022 NBA Finals at Chase Center on June 02, 2022 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

Boston Celtics need defense to have chance at NBA Finals victory

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 02: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics dribbles against Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors during the fourth quarter in Game One of the 2022 NBA Finals at Chase Center on June 02, 2022 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Boston Celtics send massive warning, steal Game 1 of NBA Finals

MIAMI, FLORIDA - MAY 29: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics celebrates with his teammatesafter being awarded the Eastern Conference Larry Bird MVP trophy after defeating the Miami Heat with a score of 100 to 96 in Game Seven to win the 2022 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Finals at FTX Arena on May 29, 2022 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Celtics star Jayson Tatum’s dominance led to Larry Bird ECF MVP

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 17: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors and Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics react during a game at TD Garden on December 17, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images)

NBA Finals: Golden State Warriors favored, Boston Celtics challenging

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 23: Al Horford #42 of the Boston Celtics reacts from the bench against the Miami Heat during the fourth quarter in Game Four of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Finals at TD Garden on May 23, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Defense helped Boston Celtics take control of Eastern Conference Finals

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 15: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics gestures during the fourth quarter in Game Seven of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Milwaukee Bucks at TD Garden on May 15, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)

Jayson Tatum reaches superstar status as Boston Celtics reach ECF

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - MAY 09: Al Horford #42 of the Boston Celtics handles the ball against the Milwaukee Bucks during Game Four of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at Fiserv Forum on May 09, 2022 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Celtics defeated the Bucks 116 - 108. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

Al Horford’s two-way brilliance in the 2022 NBA Playoffs

May 9, 2022; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) shouts out after being fouled in the second half during game four of the second round for the 2022 NBA playoffs at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports

Al Horford just piggy-backed the Boston Celtics in Game 4

May 1, 2022; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) drives the ball against Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) in the second half during game one of the second round for the 2022 NBA playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

2 keys for the rest of the Boston Celtics-Milwaukee Bucks series

BOSTON, MA - MAY 01 Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics drives to the basket past Giannis Antetokounmpo and Grayson Allen #7 of the Milwaukee Bucks during Game One of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at TD Garden on May 1, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)

3 takeaways from Game 1 of Milwaukee Bucks vs. Boston Celtics

Dec 13, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) defends Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports

NBA Playoffs must-follow storylines: Boston Celtics vs. Milwaukee Bucks

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - APRIL 20: Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics reacts during the third quarter of Game Two of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at TD Garden on April 20, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

Why Marcus Smart deserved to win Defensive Player of the Year

Apr 17, 2022; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) reacts after a play against the Brooklyn Nets in the first quarter during game one of the first round for the 2022 NBA playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

3 keys for the Boston Celtics to win Game 2 vs. the Brooklyn Nets

Apr 17, 2022; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant (7) looks to pass against Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) in the first quarter during game one of the first round for the 2022 NBA playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Jayson Tatum vs. Kevin Durant: A first-round matchup for the ages

Apr 17, 2022; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart (36) drives the ball against Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant (7) in the second half during game one of the first round for the 2022 NBA playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

3 reasons why Boston Celtics will take down Brooklyn Nets in first round

BOSTON, MA - MARCH 06 Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics reacts after hitting a three-point basket during a game against the Brooklyn Nets at TD Garden on March 6, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)

Jayson Tatum must seize the moment against the Brooklyn Nets

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - FEBRUARY 11: Robert Williams III #44 of the Boston Celtics reacts during a game against the Denver Nuggets at TD Garden on February 11, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images)

Boston Celtics players who need to step up after Robert Williams injury

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 24: Robert Williams III #44 of the Boston Celtics reacts against the Brooklyn Nets during the second half at Barclays Center on February 24, 2022 in New York City. The Celtics won 129-106. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images)

The impact of the Robert Williams injury for the Boston Celtics

DENVER, CO - MARCH 20: Payton Pritchard #11 of the Boston Celtics plays defense against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena on March 20, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Mito/Clarkson Creative/Getty Images)

Payton Pritchard thriving in backup role for Boston Celtics

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - FEBRUARY 11: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics and Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics look on during the first half of a game against the Denver Nuggets at TD Garden on February 11, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images)

6 factors behind the Boston Celtics incredible turnaround

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 08: Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics reacts against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on February 08, 2022 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images)

The DPOY case for Boston Celtics leader Marcus Smart

BOSTON, MA - MARCH 06: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics high fives Robert Williams III #44 of the Boston Celtics during a game at TD Garden on March 6, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)

Why the Boston Celtics are legitimate NBA title contenders

BOSTON, MA - MARCH 06 Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics reacts after a three-point shot during a game against the Brooklyn Nets at TD Garden on March 6, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)

Growth and maturity has been key to Boston Celtics success

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MARCH 01: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics celebrates after Grant Williams #12 scored against the Atlanta Hawks at TD Garden on March 01, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtics defeat the Hawks 107-98. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

Jayson Tatum quietly entering the MVP conversation