Boston Celtics: 4 storylines that defined a memorable 2017-18 season
By Dylan Woods
![BOSTON, MA - MAY 27: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics reacts as he stands next to LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second half during Game Seven of the 2018 NBA Eastern Conference Finals at TD Garden on May 27, 2018 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 Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) BOSTON, MA - MAY 27: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics reacts as he stands next to LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second half during Game Seven of the 2018 NBA Eastern Conference Finals at TD Garden on May 27, 2018 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 Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/d346300888ac18d99d367c894d59eab783fc2f160402f0500e54d17a0b8fcff8.jpg)
A postseason to remember
Or so we thought. In the first round against the Bucks, the Celtics battled hard. In Game 1, a Khris Middleton miracle three sent the game to overtime. Despite losing all momentum, the Celtics still won. They also won Game 2. And Game 5. And Game 7 to win the series.
It was at that point that Celtics fans knew they had something special with this team. At home, the fans carried and willed their hometown heroes. Terry Rozier, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Marcus Morris, Al Horford, Aron Baynes, Marcus Smart, the guys who made it out alive of the regular season but still had something to prove.
In the second round, it was another chance to doubt the Celtics. Philadelphia was favored in every single game of that series. They won just one game. Boston’s home dominance continued. Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons, and the 76ers were not the best young team in the East. That title belonged to the Boston Celtics, no matter how many players you take away.
For all that unexpected winning, the Celtics got their reward: a matchup with the LeBron James for a chance to go to the NBA Finals. A chance to break a seven year streak of dominance, the team who made LeBron leave Cleveland could do it again.
It started out really well. Games 1 and 2 were no contest. The Celtics couldn’t lose at home and just one win in Cleveland would do it.
But Games 3 and 4 weren’t close either. The Cavs came through. Game 5, same story as before. The Boston Celtics pulled through at home, nothing new. In Game 6, one win from the Finals, it was the LeBron show again. All tied up, Game 7 back in Boston.