First to the Floor: in their darkest hour, the Celtics rediscovered their identity

It’s a typical Hollywood trope. After struggling in opposition to evil for almost all of the film, all seems misplaced for the hero, however then, they rise from the ashes and win the day. You see it in all places in mainstream media. Harry Potter and the Horcruxes, Frodo and the Ring, and, maybe extra generally recognized, Stella and her groove. Sports activities are nice as a result of a season is a story that’s occurring stay, the place nobody is aware of the end result, aside from possibly Tim Donaghy. Each season a chapter for the franchise, and the Celtics are within the midst of an fascinating one. On this episode of First to the Flooring, we carry some effusive, possibly even annoying, optimistic vibes and clarify why we’re nonetheless bullish on the Celtics’ possibilities to win the One Ring to Rule Them All.

All was misplaced in opposition to the Indiana Pacers. Going through a 30-point deficit within the third quarter with boos raining down from the 300-level of the TD Backyard, the Celtics might have folded. However they didn’t. As a substitute, they obtained again to what introduced them the very best document within the NBA. It began with Jayson Tatum attacking the rim relentlessly.

Then got here the protection. I forgot what it was like to look at this crew REALLY care about protection. When it’s going, man, is it actually going.

They had been so near pulling off the just about not possible. I say “nearly” as a result of, properly, they’ve achieved this earlier than.

Sadly, it wasn’t sufficient. Derrick White continued to battle. Jaylen Brown had some mishaps. Aaron Nesmith dunked a number of occasions. Haliburton hit greater than a number of threes. Chris Duarte made among the most outrageous photographs I’ve ever seen. Even nonetheless, it took two blown requires the Pacers to carry on to their 30-point cushion. Possibly this Celtics crew received’t win the title this 12 months, however I’m certain as hell not counting them out. Generally, the darkness needs to be seemingly all consuming earlier than the sunshine can actually shine, and man, did these Celtics shine in that second half. Right here’s to Banner 18.

I hope you enjoy the episode and as all the time, thanks for listening!