The definition of an underdog is a competitor thought to have little chance of winning a fight or contest. Everyone thought the Boston Celtics were underdogs when Kyrie Irving was officially done for the year. However, the odds are in their favor as they find themselves in the eastern conference semi-finals with a 2-0 lead.
NBA teams with a 2-0 series lead in a best-of-seven series are 278-19 in NBA history per Odds Shark. They say a series does not start until one team wins on the other team’s home-court. However, this case is a little different than the norm.
The Celtics are defying the odds. Their odds to win the NBA title after Irving’s injury fell from 20-1 to 80-1 per NBC Sports. This team is playing to get to the NBA Finals this year, not next.
This is the Philadelphia 76ers time everyone said. Just do not try to convince the Celtics of that. While the Celtics’ performance against the Milwaukee Bucks and Giannis Antetokounmpo was impressive. Most thought they would succumb to the talents of Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid.
On the contrary, the Sixers are succumbing to the coaching prowess of Celtics head coach Brad Stevens and their depth.
In Game 1 three Celtics players scored over 25 points while shooting 50 percent or better from the field. In Game 2 they won by committee with six players scoring over double figures. They also did a number defensively by holding Simmons to just one point on 0-4 shooting.
Few took into account the resolve of players like Terry Rozier, Al Horford, Jayson Tatum and others. Players who each have a chip on their shoulder for one reason or another. Despite their 0-2 deficit, the Sixers’ odds to win the title are still 18-1 versus the Celtics’ 40-1.
Just another reason for the Celtics to play with inspiration and fire like they have the first two games. The unsung hero for much of the Celtics success is Stevens.
While he may not be playing in the games, his coaching has arguably been the biggest factor in the series.
His coaching prowess has been superior to that of Sixers’ head coach Brett Brown. There are a multitude of adjustments that have to be made from game to game in the playoffs. It is evident so far that the team making the biggest adjustments are the Celtics.
Simmons 18 points in Game 1 versus his one point in Game 2 are a testament to that. The Celtics are matching every move the Sixers make despite lacking a marquee star.
The series is not over yet, but it is a uphill battle for the Sixers. Despite the loss of Irving and Gordon Hayward for the season, the Celtics are arguably in the best position they could be in without either player.
This Celtics team wants to win the title. Many do not think they can, but they do not care. That is their goal and they are playing like it.
Brendan Abban is the owner and creator of brendanabban.com and hosts the KBR Sports podcast. Follow him on Twitter @BAbban24 or email him via [email protected].
