First to the Flooring: of their darkest hour, the Celtics rediscovered their id

It’s a standard Hollywood trope. After struggling in opposition to evil for almost all of the film, all appears to be like misplaced for the hero, however then, they rise from the ashes and win the day. You see it in all places in mainstream media. Harry Potter and the Horcruxes, Frodo and the Ring, and, maybe extra generally identified, Stella and her groove. Sports activities are nice as a result of a season is a story that’s occurring stay, the place nobody is aware of the result, aside from perhaps Tim Donaghy. Each season a chapter for the franchise, and the Celtics are within the midst of an attention-grabbing one. On this episode of First to the Flooring, we deliver some effusive, perhaps even annoying, optimistic vibes and clarify why we’re nonetheless bullish on the Celtics’ probabilities to win the One Ring to Rule Them All.

All was misplaced in opposition to the Indiana Pacers. Dealing with a 30-point deficit within the third quarter with boos raining down from the 300-level of the TD Backyard, the Celtics might have folded. However they didn’t. As an alternative, they received again to what introduced them the most effective file within the NBA. It began with Jayson Tatum attacking the rim relentlessly.

Then got here the protection. I forgot what it was like to observe this group REALLY care about protection. When it’s going, man, is it actually going.

They have been so near pulling off the virtually unattainable. I say “nearly” as a result of, properly, they’ve executed this earlier than.

Sadly, it wasn’t sufficient. Derrick White continued to wrestle. Jaylen Brown had some mishaps. Aaron Nesmith dunked a number of occasions. Haliburton hit greater than a number of threes. Chris Duarte made a number of the most outrageous pictures I’ve ever seen. Even nonetheless, it took two blown requires the Pacers to carry on to their 30-point cushion. Possibly this Celtics group gained’t win the title this yr, however I’m positive as hell not counting them out. Generally, the darkness needs to be seemingly all consuming earlier than the sunshine can actually shine, and man, did these Celtics shine in that second half. Right here’s to Banner 18.

I hope you benefit from the episode and as all the time, thanks for listening!