The Boston Celtics cruised to the 2024 NBA title with an impressive 16-3 playoff record, facing little resistance on paper. However, according to Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla, one team gave them more trouble than most realize.
Despite sweeping the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals, Mazzulla believes they were Boston’s toughest opponent in the playoffs.
In an interview with Boston Sports Journal’s John Karalis, Mazzulla explained that the Pacers’ series could have easily gone a different way. “That Indiana series was by far the toughest series, and we swept them, but it should have went seven,” Mazzulla said. “You have to have an understanding that we have to fight for the things that we can control, but there’s so much that goes on that you can’t control. We’re trying to foul up three and give (Aaron) Nesmith a wide-open corner 3. If he makes that and we go in the overtime on the road, it’s a completely different game.”
Although the Celtics ultimately swept the Pacers, Mazzulla’s comments highlight just how competitive Indiana was, even with star guard Tyrese Haliburton missing most of the series due to a hamstring injury.
The Pacers fought hard and came close to winning key moments, only to see the Celtics pull away thanks to a few unlucky bounces for Indiana. Had just a few things gone differently, the series could have easily been more competitive, possibly even going the full seven games.
The comparison to the Denver Nuggets’ championship run in 2023 is also notable. After their title win, Nuggets players claimed that the Minnesota Timberwolves—whom they defeated in five games—were their toughest opponent.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Joe Mazzulla, Boston Celtics, Indiana Pacers Updates
The following year, the Timberwolves returned stronger, defeating the Nuggets in a dramatic Game 7 in the second round. Could the Pacers follow a similar path, using this experience to become an even bigger threat to the Celtics in future playoffs?
While the Pacers may not be the Celtics’ biggest challenger on paper, Mazzulla’s comments serve as a reminder that matchups are crucial in the NBA. The Pacers’ fast-paced style of play and ability to dictate the tempo made the Celtics uncomfortable, something few teams were able to do.
Indiana’s youth and inexperience were likely factors in their sweep, but that experience will only benefit them moving forward. If the Pacers meet the Celtics again in the playoffs, there’s a strong chance they’ll come back more prepared and push Boston even harder.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Joe Mazzulla, Boston Celtics, Indiana Pacers Updates
It’s clear that Mazzulla’s respect for the Pacers isn’t misplaced. With their young core and fast-paced style, Indiana has the potential to be a thorn in Boston’s side for years to come.
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