Boston Celtics predicted by Blake Griffin to overcome deficit versus New York Knicks, with Griffin foreseeing a hard-fought seven-game series.
Laidback Talk:
Blake Griffin, the ex-All-Star, remains optimistic about the Celtics' chances, even though they're currently trailing 2-0 against the Knicks. Given his familiarity with Boston's core players like Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, and Al Horford, Blake predicts a hard-fought 7-game series in their favor.
"Yo, I reckon it goes seven games," says Griffin in an exclusive chat. "I think the Celtics tie it up and I'm gonna ride with 'em."
While the Celtics have lost their opening matches by a narrow margin, they led by substantial margins in both games before faltering. In the first game, their reliance on long-range shots cost them, missing 35 out of 60 attempts from beyond the arc. In the second game, they went cold in the final minutes, scoring only one field goal in the last eight minutes.
Griffin points out that, when holding a lead, the Celtics sometimes shift from their regular playstyle, leading to stagnant offense and missed opportunities.
"When you're ahead, sometimes you start acting like you don't wanna lose," Griffin explains. "You start messing with your flow, getting out of your game plan from the first three quarters, and that's what it seemed like. In the first game, it looked like they started going too much one-on-one offense rather than drive, draw, and kick, which has been their normal strategy."
According to Griffin, the Celtics' fourth quarter has been their Achilles heel so far. However, he believes they can turn things around as both teams have the potential to win on the other's home court.
"The fourth quarter has been a killer for them," Griffin acknowledges. "It seems like they've just gotten outside of their game. They played the first three quarters consistently, bombarding threes. I think they change their style when they feel pressured. They need to find a solution, and I think they can."
As the series continues, Griffin praises the Knicks for their impressive play style and relentless effort, despite Boston's predictions of victory.
"The Knicks are well-coached, and they're persistent," Griffin admits. "You can't dominate them for three quarters or 45 minutes. You gotta play the full 48 minutes because they always find a way. They seem to be used to this style of play on the Celtics' side."
Despite his predictions, Blake considers this series an exciting opportunity for basketball fans.
"As a basketball fan, this series has the potential to be epic, no matter which way it goes," Griffin concludes.
[1] "Blake Griffin says Celtics 'still can' do it after 0-2 start vs. Knicks" — Yahoo Sports[2] "Blake Griffin still believes Celtics can win title despite 0-2 start vs. Knicks" — Clark Wade, Forbes[3] "Blake Griffin Predicts Finals for Boston Celtics, Says 'He's All In'" — Bleacher Report[4] "Blake Griffin talks Celtics, Knicks, and his father after 0-2 start in NBA Playoffs" — NBC Sports Boston
- Blake Griffin, despite the Boston Celtics' current 0-2 deficit against the New York Knicks, remains confident about their chances, predicting a close 7-game series.
- Griffin notes that the Celtics have struggled in the fourth quarter, deviating from their consistent playstyle and often relying too heavily on one-on-one offense.
- Commenting on the Knicks, Griffin acknowledges that they are well-coached, persistently challenging their opponents, and have proven to be a tough match for the Celtics so far.
- Despite his predictions, Griffin sees this NBA series between the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks as an exciting prospect for basketball fans, with the potential to be legendary, regardless of its outcome.
