Chowder and Champions
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Boston Celtics: 4 teams in the path of banner 18

By Dylan Woods

BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 28: The Boston Celtics raise 2008 World Championship banner during the 2008 NBA World Championship ceremony before a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at the TD Banknorth Garden on October 28, 2008 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 28: The Boston Celtics raise 2008 World Championship banner during the 2008 NBA World Championship ceremony before a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at the TD Banknorth Garden on October 28, 2008 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images) /
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Celtics Kyrie Irving
Celtics Kyrie Irving /

Golden State Warriors

Before I start, I want to say that the Warriors have the advantage over any team in the NBA. They are the favorite and rightfully so. That is also not very fun. Let me make a slim yet conceivable case that the Celtics can beat the Warriors.

In the past two years only the Celtics and Spurs do not have a losing record against Golden State. In this same time span, no team has held the Warriors to less points per game than the Boston Celtics. When Golden State sees Boston on the schedule, they know a tough game will be in store. Stout defense could wear a team down in a seven game series.

Also, whether it be coincidental or not, the Celtics have the personnel to guard every player on the Warriors. On defense, it is all about containing and not allowing anybody to have a huge night.

Steph Curry? I feel confident with Marcus Smart taking the majority of the reps (please don’t trade him, Danny) and Kyrie managing down the stretch.

Boston Celtics
Boston Celtics /

Boston Celtics

Klay Thompson? Jaylen Brown is adept at running through screens and chasing shooters around.

Kevin Durant? A formidable opponent, but containable. In his three games with the Warriors, Durant is averaging 22 PPG on 53 FG% and 33 3PT% against the Boston Celtics. Compared to 26 PPG on 53 FG% and 40 3PT% against every other team, it is clear that the Celtics are doing something right. At the very least, Kevin Durant would not be the only reason why the Warriors would beat the Celtics.

On the other hand, for the Celtics, a win would almost certainly rely on one player: Kyrie Irving. Turns out they are in luck. Kyrie has stepped up big against the Warriors in the past. Besides, the obvious dagger in the Finals, he has some great numbers in the past two years. In his last two years, Kyrie is averaging 24 PPG, 6 APG, 4 RPG, 43 FG%, and 43 3PT% against the reigning champs.

If Kyrie goes crazy and plays even more like last week’s game against Golden State, not only would Boston have a chance they might even win. A strong defense and an unconscious offensive performance by a star player with others chipping in is the key to beat the Warriors. Just ask LeBron James.

Next: Boston Celtics could decide to stand pat at trade deadline

Sadly, that sounds like two many “ifs”. The Warriors should beat the Celtics in five to six games. But they play the games for a reason. Maybe the Boston Celtics could muster up a miraculous run.

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