Celtics haven’t won a championship yet, and they refuse to act like it’s inevitable

DALLAS — The Boston Celtics haven’t received a championship but. However they appear to be the one ones who know that.

Reporters gathered round for what may very well be the final scrum of the season, and all the inquiries took on an identical tone. They requested about what it could imply to win, how he avoids complacency in a second like this, and what the gamers are feeling.

“Are you guys all gonna discover inventive methods to ask the identical query?” Mazzulla requested throughout his follow media availability on Friday morning.

Mazzulla successfully refused to reply the primary of these three questions. He doesn’t care about profitable the Finals but — simply the sport in entrance of him.

“It could imply every little thing on the earth to me to win Recreation 4,” he stated when requested about what it could imply to win a title.

The second level is one Mazzulla has addressed all 12 months. Not solely that, however it’s an idea he’s beat into his group with typically colourful quotes and repetitious mantras.

Successful isn’t allowed to be the expectation in Boston. It must be earned and shedding breeds expertise, not disappointment. So even when requested in regards to the stakes of the scenario, Mazzulla purposely ignored the truth that his group was competing to have their names etched within the historical past books on Friday night time.

“It’s vital to this subsequent sport on the schedule,” he stated.

Picture by Barry Chin/The Boston Globe through Getty Pictures

As for the third query, Mazzulla by no means speaks to his gamers’ feelings. Simply their need to hold out the sport plan.

“I don’t know,” he stated when requested if the gamers are relishing this second. “I do know they relish [winning the] margins.”

Fortunately, Sam Hauser was there to talk for the locker room. And as one would count on, they’re revved up and able to go.

“I’m excited,” he stated. “May play the sport proper now.”

With a championship on the road and one of many biggest seasons in Celtics historical past hanging within the stability, Boston will take the ground on Friday night time figuring out what’s at stake.

It’s inconceivable to not be troubled. That is every little thing the complete group has labored for not solely this season however their complete lives. “It don’t imply a factor with out the ring,” as they are saying.

But when the Celtics are going to win the Finals, they’re going to do it their method. And due to the profitable, dominant mentality Mazzulla has instilled in them, meaning they’ll deal with Recreation 4 like some other contest. Nothing extra. Nothing much less.

That’s what has gotten them thus far, and that’s what will make them Banner 18.