Celtics surge into semifinals, yearning for greater triumphs.
The Boston Celtics have made it to the Eastern Conference Finals yet again, marking their third consecutive year reaching this milestone in the NBA. Even though they're the league's record champions, having 17 titles, this in-between step isn't enough for them. Their rivals, the Dallas Mavericks, are pushing forward. Superstar Luka Doncic has been phenomenal for the Mavericks.
Boston has achieved a remarkable feat by being the first team to reach the conference finals. By defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers 113:98 in a series where they needed four wins, they've secured their spot in the Eastern Conference Finals for the third consecutive year. But this success does not sit well with the Celtics, as they haven't won the NBA championship during this period. Their opponents could either be the New York Knicks or the Indiana Pacers. The Knicks, currently led by German player Isaiah Hartenstein, have a 3:2 lead in their ongoing competition.
The Celtics' game against the Cavaliers was a nerve-wracking experience for the fans at the TD Garden. Jayson Tatum, their highest scorer with 25 points, described the match on US television after its conclusion, stating, "We didn't expect to win the game in the first or second quarter. It takes as long as it takes." The goal of getting to the conference finals is not a significant achievement for them, as Tatum added, "I've been here many times. That's not the end goal." Al Horford had an excellent performance, finishing with 22 points and 15 rebounds. The Cavaliers' top scorer was Evan Mobley with 33 points.
Irving Struggles Once More
In another game, the Dallas Mavericks secured a 3:2 lead in the Western Conference series, defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder 104:92. Two days after their stunning victory in Dallas, which was a closely contested match, the Mavericks, led by superstars Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving, consistently maintained control in this game. Unfortunately, Würzburg's Maxi Kleber was absent due to a shoulder injury.
Doncic spoke about their situation after the game, commenting, "It's only 3:2, we need to finish it off." The Slovenian player showcased a triple double with 31 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists. Irving had a subpar performance, scoring just 12 points and only providing four assists. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the only bright spot for the Oklahoma City Thunder, scoring 30 points. The series can now be decided in the final game on Sunday night in Dallas.
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Source: www.ntv.de
