The NBA stands out as one of the most thrilling sports leagues globally. It is a competition that basketball enthusiasts eagerly follow and engage in. The climactic pinnacle of the NBA season is the Finals series for the 2021/22 season, currently held in Phoenix.
The Finals series, which as any viewer is aware, showcases the top two teams in the league each season to determine the ultimate winner. Apart from being captivating to watch, it is also a popular event for betting, with many basketball fans opting to participate. If you intend to try your luck, make sure to select an online betting platform wisely. MaximBet is a reputable and secure option for basketball betting and a prime sportsbook for NBA Finals wagering.
The ongoing Finals for this season feature the Golden State Warriors facing off against the Boston Celtics. But how did the Celtics reach this stage?
2021/22 Celtics Regular Season Journey
The start of the 2021/22 regular season was marked by changes for the Celtics. Danny Ainge exited his role as the general manager, leading to Ime Udoka’s appointment as the Celtics head coach. Initially, the team struggled, suffering defeats in initial games against the Knicks and Raptors that raised concerns.
However, as time progressed, the team gelled and started securing victories, albeit inconsistently. A significant turning point was a 99-75 win over the Knicks in early January, sparking a surge in form. Subsequent dominant wins against the Kings (128-75) and the Heat (122-92) showcased their momentum. By the end of the regular season, they boasted a 51-31 record and had clinched the Atlantic Division title for the first time since 2017.
Playoff Triumph
The Celtics’ impressive regular season finish extended their playoff streak, setting up a clash against the Nets in the first round. What followed was a somewhat unexpected series, with Boston sweeping the Brooklyn team in four games. Jayson Tatum excelled in these matches, particularly with 10 assists in Game 2 and 39 points in Game 3.
Their journey to the Finals ran through the Bucks in the Conference semifinals. Despite it being the third time in five seasons that they faced off, the Celtics emerged victorious in seven games. The highlight was the team’s record-setting 22 3-pointers in the deciding game. This triumph propelled them to face the Miami Heat in the Conference Finals.
Facing the top-seeded Heat in the Conference Finals posed a challenge, given Boston’s historic struggles against them. However, the Celtics reversed this trend, securing the series in seven games, including three wins on the road. Jayson Tatum’s scoring, along with Jaylen Brown’s contributions and Marcus Smart’s playmaking, were instrumental in this success.
NBA Finals – June 2022
By overcoming the Heat in the Conference Finals, the Celtics progressed to meet the Warriors in the 2021/22 NBA Finals in Phoenix in June 2022. Though the series’ outcome remains uncertain after three games, Boston currently holds a slim 2-1 advantage.
Their 116-110 victory in Game 3 brought relief to fans following the 88-107 loss in Game 2. Maintaining stellar performances from key players like Tatum, Brown, Smart, and Robert Williams III will be crucial for Boston’s chances of emerging victorious.
2022: A Chance for Celtics in the Finals
Reflecting on some of the most memorable plays in NBA Finals history, it’s evident why Celtics fans are thrilled to see their team in contention this year. With a current 2-1 lead in the series and the opportunity to claim the championship, anticipation is high. Having not secured a title since 2008, could this be the year for the Celtics to add to their 17 NBA victories?
