The Celtics and basketball for the common good
This game, vital from any point of view, was something like showing the cards spread out on the court. By confession of parts, relay of proofs: the game of traditional basketball versus the deep vertigo of talent. What once seemed finished against the world that seemed to keep it all. This sport, unlike its competitors, is dynamic, changing and evolutionary learning.
The Celtics propose, then, a return to a basketball that until this 2022 seemed primitive. Built in silence, in the shadow of others. Such was the dream of Ime Udoka, who was born as an assistant to Gregg Popovich at the Spurs. To start with the defense to find solutions on offense. To distribute responsibilities in such a way that no one is indispensable. To go step by step on the ladder to success. Who thought the Celtics had a serious chance of being champions before the season started? Whoever raises their hand is lying.
Boston is the sum of its parts as a function of success. And it is a team of continuous redemption, because that third quarter yesterday, with Curry on fire as in his best times, would have been lethal for any team with character doubts. But these Celtics are not the Celtics of years past: along the way there is experience and learning. This is a green formula built in the lab years ago, with test tubes that went from the hands of Brad Stevens to Udoka. There is improvement of individuals without histrionic boasts, there is basketball-culture with clear functions. There is attitude, determination and conviction built with the chisel. How difficult it is to completely overthrow this team. It is not enough to blow hard: what once seemed a house of cards today is iron engraved with fire.
It is much more difficult to plug twelve holes than just one. The team over the individual, the sport back to back for a common goal. When that happens, when the mind enters into full concentration, there is no Curry’s wonder, Thompson’s shot or Draymond Green’s abusive shout that can change history.
The Celtics bring NBA lovers back to nostalgic times of another basketball that seemed to sleep in a chest. A revamped version of the San Antonio Spurs of the past decade, with speed, passing game, fluid movement and defense. Especially defense. From that fancy monochromatic team to this energy-charged green one. System over multi-functional hybrids and supernatural talent. Boston is a handbrake on progress worshippers. To those who call for rule changes, those who say that what once was can never be again. What is basketball if not this? It can be won without shots from the logo and without acrobatic jumpshots. The basketball that used to be played on the floor is reborn with a team molded with the patience of craftsmen and the heart of boxers.
From Jayson Tatum’s brush to Jaylen Brown’s arrows. From the flexible defense of Al Horford to the overwhelming extension of Robert Williams III. The heart made motor of Marcus Smart and the sacrifice of Grant Williams. The intelligence of Derrick White and the lethal shooting of Payton Pritchard.
Who is the best player on this team? It’s impossible to know. Every night is the first night. Suffer the serial MVP chasers with this Boston team. The best player is in the quiet sum of the parts. If you’re not well, I’ll be there to reciprocate. If you’re in pain, you can rest on my shoulders. The Celtics defy the NBA of stars and tear off the labels of a league unaccustomed to this kind of silent projects.
The Warriors, a priori favorites in this playoffs, are not smiling like they used to. The warm basketball of the common good challenges the vertigo of individual brilliance. This is much more than a luxury final: it is a duel of clear styles, a sporting-cultural challenge, which puts the followers of this game in a debate worth every line of discussion.
On Friday, then, it will be the turn of the fourth game.
And the best, as always, is yet to come.
