Chowder and Champions
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3 Celtics players who could be improbable heroes of Game 7 vs Sixers

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 03: Grant Williams #12 of the Boston Celtics celebrates during the third quarter of game two of the Eastern Conference Second Round Playoffs against the Philadelphia 76ers at TD Garden on May 03, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtics defeat the 76ers 121-87. 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 Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 03: Grant Williams #12 of the Boston Celtics celebrates during the third quarter of game two of the Eastern Conference Second Round Playoffs against the Philadelphia 76ers at TD Garden on May 03, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtics defeat the 76ers 121-87. 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 Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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Boston Celtics
Celtics veteran Blake Griffin (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images) /

3.  Boston Celtics could rely on veteran Blake Griffin for quality minutes

The double big starting lineup with Al Horford and Robert Williams III worked in Game 6, so expect the Celtics to come out with it in Game 7 as well.

This is where not adding another big could factor in because of either of them gets into early foul trouble, another rim defending and rim attacking big would add some depth and allow the C’s to still roll with the double big lineup.  That’s where a veteran like Blake Griffin could put his stamp on this game and this series.

Griffin has been way too quiet not to have a big moment in this game.  Celtics fans saw this first-hand last year in the closeout game against the Brooklyn Nets.  Griffin came off the bench and provided a spark for the Nets.  He not only sacrificed his body in that game, but he also knocked down a few 3’s that gave Brooklyn a little bit of life.

Since joining the Celtics, he has had those types of games in Green as well.  If Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla wanted to pull a rabbit out of his hat, giving Griffin some playing time early could help energize the team if the energy is low.

Or, if there is early foul trouble for either Horford or Williams, he can give them solid minutes on the board and even offensively.

Again, Griffin has been buried on the bench in this series, but he could be an improbable factor in this game.

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