Boston Celtics Can Draw on Evan Turner’s Playoff Experience

Apr 14, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Evan Turner (11) reacts to a call as they take on the Toronto Raptors in the second half at TD Garden. The Celtics defeated the Toronto Raptors 95-93. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Aside from Evan Turner, the eighth-ranked Boston Celtics head into their first-round playoff series against the top-ranked Cleveland Cavaliers with just four other players who have past postseason experience: Jared Sullinger, Brandon Bass, Gerald Wallace and Avery Bradley.

Though it may be brief, Turner’s playoff track record is directly applicable to the monumental task the Celtics have in front of them in LeBron James and the Cavaliers.

What Turner was able to accomplish as a member of the Philadelphia 76ers in 2012 certainly trumps the most recent playoff defeat Sullinger, Bass and Bradley experienced in 2013 to the New York Knicks.

Turner and the 76ers qualified for the playoffs in 2012 as the conference’s eighth seed. They drew a matchup with the first-seeded Chicago Bulls. Not a soul gave Turner and his mates a fighting chance, much like this year’s Celtics squad.

A long story short, Turner helped lead the 76ers to a six-game series win over the Bulls, averaging 12 points per game.

In the second round, Turner squared off with Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and the Celtics. He averaged 11 points per game over the course of the series as the 76ers nearly pulled off another enormous upset before ultimately falling in seven games.

More from Boston Celtics

• 3 Most Underpaid Celtics Heading Into the 2023 Season
• Blake Griffin Angling Hard to Re-Sign With Celtics
• Game-by-Game Predictions for the Celtics’ 2023-24 In-Season Tournament Schedule
• Kristaps Porzingis’ Foot Injury is a Problem Despite Celtics’ Optimism
• Marcus Smart, Grant Williams and Ime Udoka all Returning to Boston on 2023-24 Schedule

With that said, Boston’s floor general undoubtedly understands what lies ahead, and what must be done in order to emerge victorious despite being the underdogs. He’ll look to draw on that unforgettable experience of the 2012 playoffs and instill it within his hungry, eager Celtics teammates.

When asked about the playoffs Wednesday, Turner said all the right things, stressing the importance of maintaining mental toughness through what will be a difficult grind with Cleveland.

“The playoffs are definitely a grind, the scouting picks up, and you’re going to see the same team, same plays over and over,” Turner said. “It’s all about execution and the pace you play at. You pick up on their tendencies. You learn what you can and can’t do, but at the same time it’s basketball, and you have to take it to them and play the right way.”

If any team in the NBA has the needed momentum to defeat the Cavaliers it’s the Celtics. Turner and company finished off the regular season having won 24 of their last 36 games to finish with a 40-42 record. The confidence is there, and according to Turner, the team is prepared for their next challenge.

“We’re a pretty poised group and a pretty laid back group,” Turner said. “It has a lot to do with how we prepare. I don’t think anyone is upset or nervous. We’re a confident group. We know what we have to do.”

As this Celtics team gets set to enter uncharted waters, Turner appears to be the ideal guy to navigate them through all the hysteria that awaits.