The OKC Thunder officially have my attention

[He_Got_Game]

After watching tonight's game very closely I now have to admit that this particular team is a lot better than I ever imagined. The very thing that made the Knicks so tough last year (Hartenstein) has now bolstered an already strong team. Let's also not forget that Alex Caruso is a champion and a veteran.

Let's talk about their top two guys SGA and J-Dub. It's looking like SGA might be in that unstoppable offensive player category. I don't just put anyone in this category so what I needed to see tonight had to really impress me and it did. The guy gets to his spots all night long at will. The Mavs had no answer. He quite literally carved them up and now he's extended his range out past the 3 point line.

After SGA is done carving them up now it's J-Dubs turn. This guy is hitting tough step backs over both shoulders, tough contested runners in the lane, and is drilling huge shots in people's faces at important moments in the game.

Their role players are also clutch and hit huge shots (I'm looking at you Isaiah Joe). They force a ton of turnovers and have athletes running the break. When Holmgren comes back they also have an elite rim protector and lob threat.

In conclusion after watching tonight's game I have to definitively say that I am not sure if the Celtics are head and shoulders better than this particular team even at full Porzingis strength. I think the Celtics MUST do two things:

1. Incorporate more athletes into your rotation in preparation for this eventual battle with OKC. This means more minutes for Springer and Walsh. I think Springer will be of particular need against SGA (same kind of wiry frame/build/height/center of gravity).

2. Secure home court against OKC. Their crowd is bonkers and their players feed off of that.

I think it's highly likely that we're going to be facing this team in the finals and I for one will be watching their team very closely for possible flaws from here on out. So far I have to admit that I don't currently see any.

[ConstableGeneva]

I'm not saying they'd beat us in a 7-game series but they're the team that worries me the most. Their defense is unreal. Zero guys to attack on defense. Might be the most complete team in the league if they can stay healthy.

[He_Got_Game]

I'm not saying they'd beat us in a 7-game series but they're the team that worries me the most. Their defense is unreal. Zero guys to attack on defense. Might be the most complete team in the league if they can stay healthy.

I completely agree. They look like they can arguably have the most complete offense and defense in the NBA PLUS they have the most athletes (besides Atlanta). It's the teams with athletes that make Jrue Holiday look old..

I think I'll be rooting for Denver to knock these guys out somehow.

[ConstableGeneva]

I'm not saying they'd beat us in a 7-game series but they're the team that worries me the most. Their defense is unreal. Zero guys to attack on defense. Might be the most complete team in the league if they can stay healthy.

I completely agree. They look like the best offensive AND best defensive team in the NBA PLUS they have the most athletes (besides Atlanta). It's the teams with athletes that make Jrue Holiday look old..

Actually looking forward to our RS matchups with them. Warriors and Hawks already gave us trouble. Their guards/wings are like the Warriors guards on crack with Hartenstein the perfect complement big (Chet can rim-protect once he comes back).

I do wonder how sustainable their style of play is and if that could factor in fatigue/injuries later in the season. NBA offenses are just so hard to defend these days with the amount of space you need to cover.

[He_Got_Game]

I'm not saying they'd beat us in a 7-game series but they're the team that worries me the most. Their defense is unreal. Zero guys to attack on defense. Might be the most complete team in the league if they can stay healthy.

I completely agree. They look like the best offensive AND best defensive team in the NBA PLUS they have the most athletes (besides Atlanta). It's the teams with athletes that make Jrue Holiday look old..

Actually looking forward to our RS matchups with them. Warriors and Hawks already gave us trouble. Their guards/wings are like the Warriors guards on crack with Hartenstein the perfect complement big (Chet can rim-protect once he comes back).

I do wonder how sustainable their style of play is and if that could factor in fatigue/injuries later in the season. NBA offenses are just so hard to defend these days with the amount of space you need to cover.

I will be watching the regular season matchups with them very closely. I believe Brad Stevens will be as well. They are a SERIOUS threat.

I think their style of play is sustainable because of how young and athletic they all are. This is actually a very fascinating trend. You are correct about the Warriors and why we struggle with them and their multiple athletes.

[Fierce1]

Too early.

Who knows, maybe it's Bucks vs. Grizzlies in the finals.

An all animal finals.

[Homerclease]

Opened this expecting Jamarco to be the OP, slightly disappointed.

But yes it was clear that OKC would be the main threat this year after they traded for Caruso and signed Ihart.

[He_Got_Game]

Opened this expecting Jamarco to be the OP, slightly disappointed.

But yes it was clear that OKC would be the main threat this year after they traded for Caruso and signed Ihart.

Signings are one thing on paper but seeing it in action on the court? Goodness gracious that team is young, fast, athletic, AND clutch.

[ThePigeon]

We have the experience
And JB and Tatum can handle anyone if they set their will to it

It is like the Celtics vs. Lakers of the 80's - slow, unathletic, high IQ team vs. fast pace, athletic, highlights team
You win some, you lose some
It will be interesting

[He_Got_Game]

We have the experience
And JB and Tatum can handle anyone if they set their will to it

It is like the Celtics vs. Lakers of the 80's - slow, unathletic, high IQ team vs. fast pace, athletic, highlights team
You win some, you lose some
It will be interesting

This is a good way of looking at it. My concern is in how the Celtics have played against similar teams so far this season. The Hawks and Warriors are two more of those highly athletic teams and they have both made us look a step slow. The only top tier athlete in our top 8 is Brown. That's not going to be enough against these younger teams. I think Stevens needs to hold onto Springer for this potential matchup and I hope Mazulla actually plays him.

[31to6]

We have the experience
And JB and Tatum can handle anyone if they set their will to it

It is like the Celtics vs. Lakers of the 80's - slow, unathletic, high IQ team vs. fast pace, athletic, highlights team
You win some, you lose some
It will be interesting

This is a good way of looking at it. My concern is in how the Celtics have played against similar teams so far this season. The Hawks and Warriors are two more of those highly athletic teams and they have both made us look a step slow. The only top tier athlete in our top 8 is Brown. That's not going to be enough against these younger teams. I think Stevens needs to hold onto Springer for this potential matchup and I hope Mazulla actually plays him.

I'd argue that current C's often are not a 'high IQ' team when the chips are down -- until JT and JB stop with the dribble-out-the-clock-fadeaway-3s. They were still doing that as their last possessions of G5 vs DAL last June (game long since decided, but WTF?), and it's continued this season in clutch moments

I'd also argue that you're underrating the Cs' athleticism.
Tatum is a top tier athlete (slinky and occasionally explosive), as is Jrue when it's winning time (strength/balance/reflexes)
DW is elite getting off the ground fast and stretching out
KP transcends athleticism when he's upright, but I don't want to jinx it

I could be wrong. I haven't watched the Thunder this season. I do look forward to these squads meeting!

[He_Got_Game]

We have the experience
And JB and Tatum can handle anyone if they set their will to it

It is like the Celtics vs. Lakers of the 80's - slow, unathletic, high IQ team vs. fast pace, athletic, highlights team
You win some, you lose some
It will be interesting

This is a good way of looking at it. My concern is in how the Celtics have played against similar teams so far this season. The Hawks and Warriors are two more of those highly athletic teams and they have both made us look a step slow. The only top tier athlete in our top 8 is Brown. That's not going to be enough against these younger teams. I think Stevens needs to hold onto Springer for this potential matchup and I hope Mazulla actually plays him.

I'd argue that current C's often are not a 'high IQ' team when the chips are down -- until JT and JB stop with the dribble-out-the-clock-fadeaway-3s. They were still doing that as their last possessions of G5 vs DAL last June (game long since decided, but WTF?), and it's continued this season in clutch moments

I'd also argue that you're underrating the Cs' athleticism.
Tatum is a top tier athlete (slinky and occasionally explosive), as is Jrue when it's winning time (strength/balance/reflexes)
DW is elite getting off the ground fast and stretching out
KP transcends athleticism when he's upright, but I don't want to jinx it

I could be wrong. I haven't watched the Thunder this season. I do look forward to these squads meeting!

All valid points. I would urge you to watch some film on OKC. I didn't think they were for real until I sat and watched last night's game against Dallas. A team this young isn't supposed to be this composed. They kept drilling important shots in important moments. That doesn't usually happen with young teams. I walked away very impressed.

[ThePigeon]

This is a good way of looking at it. My concern is in how the Celtics have played against similar teams so far this season. The Hawks and Warriors are two more of those highly athletic teams and they have both made us look a step slow. The only top tier athlete in our top 8 is Brown. That's not going to be enough against these younger teams. I think Stevens needs to hold onto Springer for this potential matchup and I hope Mazulla actually plays him.

I'd argue that current C's often are not a 'high IQ' team when the chips are down -- until JT and JB stop with the dribble-out-the-clock-fadeaway-3s. They were still doing that as their last possessions of G5 vs DAL last June (game long since decided, but WTF?), and it's continued this season in clutch moments

I'd also argue that you're underrating the Cs' athleticism.
Tatum is a top tier athlete (slinky and occasionally explosive), as is Jrue when it's winning time (strength/balance/reflexes)
DW is elite getting off the ground fast and stretching out
KP transcends athleticism when he's upright, but I don't want to jinx it

I could be wrong. I haven't watched the Thunder this season. I do look forward to these squads meeting!

All valid points. I would urge you to watch some film on OKC. I didn't think they were for real until I sat and watched last night's game against Dallas. A team this young isn't supposed to be this composed. They kept drilling important shots in important moments. That doesn't usually happen with young teams. I walked away very impressed.

True. They have some good, composed player, especially the guards

One thing the cup is doing is giving young teams some experience in a playoff like games where the intensity and atmosphere are same as in the playoff.

Just saw a young Houston team beat GSW. What an end of game sequence. Very intense defense all game long

[Fierce1]

Kerr was really upset after the game.

Should a foul have been called?

Guess it depends on who you ask.

Kuminga clearly grabbed Jaylen Green when they were both on the floor.

But for some, a timeout should have been the call and Houston ball.

Either way it's "nite, nite" for GSW.

[playa-hater]

I definitely would want Home court advantage. I feel that Boston's Playoff and championship experience would be the deciding factor in series. Especially If Game 7 were in Boston.

[Fierce1]

I definitely would want Home court advantage. I feel that Boston's Playoff and championship experience would be the deciding factor in series. Especially If Game 7 were in Boston.

Celtics play well on the road.

16-3 in the playoffs and finals last season and the 2 losses were at home.

[ConstableGeneva]

Can't spell NO JOKE without OKC.

[Parliament10]

Read on Twitter

[Parasite]

If OKC can sustain their defensive play we will have a massive problem. They are amazing on that end and are a pleasure to watch. Hopefully we wake up on the defensive end sooner rather than later.

[doogie_hauser]

If OKC can sustain their defensive play we will have a massive problem. They are amazing on that end and are a pleasure to watch. Hopefully we wake up on the defensive end sooner rather than later.

I personally think that physical style of defending is unsustainable for an entire 82 game regular season plus playoffs.

I think it's clear we are pacing ourselves for the playoffs, not showing all our cards at once.

Hartenstein has been a revelation for them, unfortunately