Celtics sweep Pacers to reach NBA Finals: Brown named ECF MVP, Tatum snubbed? | NBA | UNDISPUTED
Summary
TLDRIn the transcript from the show 'Undisputed', the hosts discuss the Boston Celtics' sweep of the Indiana Pacers in the NBA playoffs. They debate the significance of the Pacers' close games and the Celtics' resilience in coming back from behind. The conversation also touches on the potential matchups in the NBA finals, with speculation about the health of players like Tyrese Haliburton and Kristaps Porzingis. The hosts express their thoughts on the Celtics' performance, the challenges posed by the Dallas Mavericks, and the importance of playoff experience. The summary underscores the competitive spirit and strategic analysis that define the show's discussions on basketball.
Takeaways
- π The Boston Celtics swept the Indiana Pacers to advance to the NBA finals, despite close games and a potential Pacers upset.
- π― Paul Pierce confidently predicted a Celtics sweep, even with the Pacers' strong performance in the series.
- π€ Concerns were raised about the Celtics' performance, as they were expected to dominate but instead faced close games and a competitive Pacers team.
- π¨ The absence of Tyrese Haliburton, the Pacers' point guard and best player, was noted, and his potential impact on the series was discussed.
- π₯ The Celtics showed resilience by coming back from multiple deficits in the series, demonstrating their ability to perform under pressure.
- π Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum were highlighted for their performances, averaging 30 points per game and making crucial plays.
- π€·ββοΈ Paul Pierce dismissed the idea that the Celtics have not been 'fire tested', arguing that their playoff run has been challenging despite the perception of an easy path.
- π The unpredictability of the Pacers' play without Haliburton was seen as a factor in their success against the Celtics' prepared game plans.
- π€ Discussion about potential injuries to key players like Kristaps Porzingis and the importance of health heading into the NBA finals was highlighted.
- π The Dallas Mavericks' playoff performance was compared to the Celtics', with the argument that Dallas faced a higher degree of difficulty in their series.
- π The anticipation of a potential NBA finals matchup between the Celtics and a healthy Dallas team, with all players including Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis, was expressed.
Q & A
What was the final outcome of the Celtics vs Pacers series?
-The Celtics swept the Pacers, advancing to the NBA finals.
What was the general sentiment about the Pacers' performance in the series?
-There was speculation that the Pacers might have been mentally on vacation, as they failed to score points in crucial moments and had turnovers, leading to their loss.
How did the absence of Tyrese Haliburton impact the Pacers' games?
-Tyrese Haliburton's absence due to a hamstring injury led to unpredictability in the Pacers' gameplay, which could have affected their performance negatively.
What was Paul Pierce's reaction to the close games in the Celtics vs Pacers series?
-Paul Pierce was not concerned about the close games, stating that he enjoyed them as they demonstrated the Celtics' ability to endure comebacks and play in tight games.
What did the Celtics' performance in the series indicate about their readiness for the NBA finals?
-The Celtics' performance showed resilience and ability to come back from behind, indicating they are prepared for the challenges of the NBA finals.
What was the discussion about the potential opponents for the Celtics in the NBA finals?
-The discussion revolved around whether the Celtics would face Dallas or Minnesota, with considerations given to the health and readiness of key players like Luka DonΔiΔ and Kristaps PorziΕΔ£is.
How did the commentators view the Celtics' path to the finals compared to Dallas's?
-The commentators believed that Dallas had a higher degree of difficulty in their series against Minnesota and the Clippers, suggesting that the Celtics might have had an easier path.
What was the significance of the Celtics' 12-2 playoff record mentioned in the script?
-The 12-2 playoff record highlighted the Celtics' dominance in the playoffs, despite facing close games and challenges.
What was the debate on whether the Celtics' performance was a sign of strength or a concern?
-While some saw the Celtics' ability to win close games as a sign of strength, others argued that the close games should be concerning as they were expected to win more convincingly.
What was the commentary on the Celtics' defense and rebounding in the series?
-The Celtics' defense and rebounding were criticized, as they allowed the Pacers to have many open shots and outrebounded them, which is not characteristic of a team that makes it to the Conference Finals.
Outlines
π Celtics' Playoff Performance and Paul Pierce's Confidence
The speaker discusses the Boston Celtics' successful playoff run, highlighting their sweep against the Indiana Pacers and their readiness for the NBA finals. Paul Pierce's confidence in his team is evident as he dismisses concerns about the close games, arguing that the Celtics' resilience and ability to win under pressure is a testament to their strength. The absence of Tyrese Haliburton from the Pacers is noted, suggesting it may have impacted the series. The conversation also touches on the Celtics' performance in the regular season and their growth through adversity.
π€ Debate Over Celtics' True Challenge and Playoff Experience
In this segment, the speakers debate the Celtics' journey through the playoffs, with one arguing that they have not faced a true test yet, given the injuries to key players on opposing teams. The discussion includes the Celtics' performance in close games and the potential impact of having time off before the finals. The speakers also speculate on the Celtics' readiness and the challenges they might face against either the Dallas Mavericks or the Minnesota Timberwolves, considering the different levels of experience and talent on those teams.
π Celtics' Unpredictability and Pacers' Missed Opportunities
The focus shifts to the Celtics' unpredictability without their star player, which has made them difficult to guard, and the Indiana Pacers' missed opportunities in the series. The Pacers' inability to capitalize on leads and their scoring drought towards the end of games is critiqued. The conversation also touches on individual performances, such as that of Nima Nchamd and TJ McConnell, and the Celtics' overall strategy and execution in the playoffs.
π₯ Anticipation for the Celtics' Next Opponent and Playoff Intensity
The speakers anticipate the Celtics' next playoff opponent, with a preference for the Dallas Mavericks due to the predictability of their star players. The potential return of key injured players for both the Celtics and their future opponents is discussed, along with the importance of having all players healthy for the finals. The conversation also highlights the intensity of playoff basketball and the need for teams to be prepared for the unexpected.
π Reflections on the Celtics' Playoff Journey and Challenges Ahead
This segment reflects on the Celtics' playoff journey so far, acknowledging the challenges they have faced and the ones they may encounter in the finals. The discussion includes the Celtics' performance against the Pacers, their ability to win games despite not playing their best, and the importance of trust in their shooting ability. The speakers also consider the potential impact of the Pacers' defensive strategy and the Celtics' rebounding issues.
π Undisputed Show Recap and Fan Engagement
The final paragraph serves as a recap and call to action for fans of the Undisputed show. It encourages viewers to subscribe for more exclusive content and highlights the importance of fan engagement with the show. This segment acts as a conclusion to the video script, wrapping up the discussion and looking forward to continued fan interaction.
Mindmap
Keywords
π‘NBA finals
π‘Paul Pierce
π‘Sweep
π‘Tyrese Haliburton
π‘Unpredictability
π‘Comeback
π‘Playoffs
π‘Dallas Mavericks
π‘Minnesota Timberwolves
π‘Anthony Edwards
π‘Derek White
Highlights
Paul Pierce expresses no concern about the Celtics' close games against the Pacers, arguing that the team showed resilience by coming back to win.
The Celtics swept the Pacers despite the Pacers being up in multiple games, showing the Celtics' ability to endure comebacks.
Tyrese Haliburton's absence due to a hamstring injury is noted as a significant factor affecting the Pacers' performance.
The Celtics' performance is praised for demonstrating they can win even when not playing their best.
The unpredictability of the Celtics' gameplay without their star player is discussed as a challenge for their opponents.
The potential return of Kristaps Porzingis for the Celtics is highlighted as a significant boost for the team.
The conversation debates whether the Celtics' path to the NBA finals was easier compared to other teams.
Jaylen Brown's and Jayson Tatum's performance in the series is discussed, with both averaging 30 points per game.
The Pacers' failure to capitalize on leads in crucial moments of the games is critiqued.
The Celtics' defense is questioned, as they allowed the Pacers to score easily and had a lower three-point percentage.
The importance of the Celtics' ability to win games even when not playing well is emphasized.
The potential matchup between the Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA finals is anticipated.
The Mavericks' playoff journey and the challenges they faced are compared to the Celtics' experience.
The impact of the Pacers' defense, or lack thereof, on the Celtics' offensive success is discussed.
The Celtics' reliance on the three-point shot and their percentage in the series is analyzed.
The overall impressive level of the Celtics' performance in the series is rated as a 9 out of 10.
Transcripts
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morning it's f
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[Music]
Undisputed good morning it is time to
skip the BS time for Undisputed time for
Paul Pierce to Glow
about his Celtics sweeping those Pacers
to return to the NBA finals it's also
time for me to gloat about winning yet
another dinner from Paul Pierce who gave
me the Pacers plus
10 because he and Kean thought the
Pacers were already mentally on vacation
no no no Pacers were up nine with 8 and
1 half minutes to go they're up four
with 333 to play yet the Pacers failed
to score a point from that point went on
had two more terrible
turnovers finally lost by three 105 102
still for the third time in four games
the Pacers easily could have won another
game man you have to wonder if the
Pacers would have won the last two at
Indiana if they'd had their point guard
their best player Tyrese halberton who
of course missed the second straight
game with some kind of hamstring injury
so Paul Pierce any concern at all about
how close these games were
you are laughing at hey look look is
this a look of a concern oo cuz this is
what the Indiana Pac is doing they got
their shades on with their feet up in
Cancun right now you think they're
already in can already the crazy thing
in your lead when you said that we
thought they would already be on
vacation I said it was a lot of American
Express charges last night that's the
first thing I thought they getting them
tickets and private jets or however they
get there but they are on vacation man
you know what no concern skip I actually
enjoyed that these games were close for
for the simple fact that when you look
at how we played in the regular season
with the average margin of Victory being
11 and you know people expecting us to
win Mighty handily for us to
endure comebacks in three of the four
games and this could have easily been a
series when you look back at it we swept
it this could have easily been a series
where we could be talking today being
down 3-1 you could but we're not but
you're not and the reality of it is
we're on to the NBA
finals this team showed me a lot you
know I I wonder if they will be
challenging you know people are going to
say yeah they had the easiest
Road uh in round one no Jimmy Butler no
Donovan Mitchell but sometimes these are
the most difficult teams to play against
SK and I'm G tell you why Indiana had a
lot of success versus the Celtics for
one when you go to a series you get you
get your scout report you be like all
right this is the head of the snake we
need to cut this off we need to stop
this and stop that which is hbert now
you take halberton out of the equation
now what's The Scouting Report now you
got a lot of
unpredictability you know you got guys
that's going to step up they're going to
move into roles that you don't expect
and that's why you see guys like n Smith
and n
n nimart you know these
yeah they outperform what they
originally supposed to do because in The
Scouting Report it it gets unpredictable
when you're saying all right these are
the stars we have to face this is what
we have to do this is the game plan yeah
and so when it doesn't happen that way
and you have the stars out it's like
oh the unpredictability sets in and
that's why Indiana was successful but
for the simple fact that we were down by
five in game one and the fourth we were
down by nine in game three and the
fourth and we were down by nine in game
four and the fourth and won all those
games that shows me we can play in tight
games that shows me we can play down and
that shows me that we have the ability
to come back now I don't care about the
talent you're going to say oh it's not
Luca and Kyrie it's not Ant-Man doesn't
matter when you have the knowhow and
when you been through them type of
experiences it comes back to you when
you get in those moments again and so
I'm glad they played these
games uh they did what they were
supposed to do four R they've only lost
two games they're 12-2 in the playoffs
and hopefully they get porzingis back
because they're going to need him if
they have to play Minnesota or Dallas
you still making a case for
Minnesota you know you can never count
on you know and did say he want to go
out make he was never making a case for
never Cas Dallas Dallas Dallas I mean we
know it's probably most likely but in
case somebody decides they want to make
history okay we'll be ready for them and
so I I'm I'm excited with the way
and and our nuclear weapons we're going
to get to them a little later M you no
no no concern skip close games I think I
think it's good for them I honestly do
because they've been through some
heartache and pain as a young tandem
they have they've gone to the final and
lost they've gone to the Eastern
Conference Finals and lost and so
there's something about getting there
and getting punched around before you
actually do something about it and I
think in this situation they they showed
me they could do something about it you
you go to like Paul was talking about
you go to game one they they paac is Led
with about a buck 50 on the clock by
five they take it in overtime with a big
shot in the corner by Jaylen Brown now
they get that when they Ste it they keep
it moving then they just basically
cruising game two all right they it
wasn't it wasn't quite the blowout but
it was convincing win no no it was
Jaylen Brown special it it was a
convincing win then you get in the game
three and they was down as much as 18 at
once upon a time and then closed the gap
down to eight again and they finally won
the game then you get to game four with
eight led by the Pacers LED with about
six minutes to go by eight then they
closed that Gap and then they you know
wied from the corner knocks that thing
down and the Pacers from an offensive
standpoint didn't score another bucket
for about 333 into the game last four
you know last four minutes or so so when
you start to put it all together it it's
like when I I hate they showing you all
the agre I hate them but I don't I hate
the Celtics not the players the players
are fine it ain't they fault that they
getting checks you hate the brand you
hate the brand the brand I don't like
the brand cuz I I just don't like it but
it's not it's not Tatum and Brown's
fault that they happen to put on that
green and white and when you look at it
you it's almost like you root for them
because I want to see them young guys
win a championship something that
they've been on the edge of doing since
they've been in the league and it's yet
to cash in but now getting to whether
it's Dallas or whether it's going to be
Minnesota with a a crazy comeback they
on a 12 a 12 to2 run that 12 to2 run
that's that's pretty I guess you would
call it dominant in terms of the
playoffs although a lot of teams that
they faced along the way was missing
some pieces to the puzzle but the end of
the day they brought out the broom no
matter what they knocked down the that
was in front of him and that's all you
really could ask for did they knock him
down or just ease them over a little
bit knocked them down yeah I don't know
if they Jay look Jaylen Brown and Tatum
I would argue with people played pretty
good in this series they played pretty
damn good they both average 30 what you
mean pretty good well some of the I
don't you you looking at the points I'm
looking at how they played yeah cuz you
I can shoot the ball 40 times and get 30
points
I mean so I don't I don't look at it
that way how did they play up and down
on both ends of the
floor Paul Pierce yeah talk to I'm here
to tell you talk to your team has not
been fire tested yet no your team has
cak walked through the East it has
played down to the level of competition
that was almost always without its best
player at every step of the way and it
should be concerning to you if not
downright flat out scary to you that
these games kept going down to the wire
because they shouldn't have especially
if you take Tyrese halberton away at
Indiana especially if you're up three to
nothing then you should win by 30 and
you guys both thought it was going to be
a blowout that's what I I thought that
they would win by what did I say
11 well they
didn't did not go home for the holiday
they did not but coach a win is a win is
a win okay it it was and I will give you
this they did fight back three different
times the first time that they needed a
whole lot of help from the other team
and they got it and the truth was they
needed some help last night from the
other team and they got it okay let's
look carefully at what just happened
last night I'm here okay let's look at 8
minutes and 35 seconds left you were
down nine points and little tiny TJ
McConnell gets loose again he has a
knack for getting loose in the Lane
about 5' 5 in tall and here he is and he
gets a sweet little feed from SE how do
you miss that how do you miss that and
we come down to hit a three yeah Jaylen
Brown came right down and went cang
exactly Y and he ripped it as clean as
you can rip it it felt like it kind of
ripped at the hearts of the people in
Indiana because right this was the game
this because that's that's 11 now and I
don't know if you come back from 11 just
psychologically it's like
11 what is that do for Indy it puts him
up 11 instead of come right I'm not even
talking about the score I'm talking
about if they would win the game what
does it do they go back to Bost it and
they lose okay so you want to you want
you want to so you want to pack your
bags they were saying halber probably
would have been able to play in a game
five but you still skip what happened in
game one at Boston what happened won the
game but then they they lose the game we
won but they go back Skip and they roll
out porzingis now okay maybe maybe I'm
just talking about last night I can only
React to what I saw in that little
bubble last night ask what is that going
to do for them okay well now you're
going big picture and I'm I'm staying
little picture and then we had Jaylen
Brown and I pretty sure it wasn't
intentional but but he cold coocked
little TJ McConnell and just knocked him
on his literal tail if we could see this
I thought you just have to call it a
flagrant whether it was intentional or
not but he just called No this wasn't no
flagrant this is play aome went for the
oh God he just po that that's I know
it's open handed that's a cold coock to
me man that you know what that looked
like to me that looked like embiid on
Jaylen Brunson no like I just I'm just
tired right now I'm tired of y'all cuz
that was chippy they was J Brown had
some chippy moments in this game though
now Paul that's that dirty uh
park4 Jaylen Brown would never do that
that might have been accidental it
didn't look he would do that intentional
that was accident it looked accidental
on the replay I mean he you can't call
every play when somebody gets hit a play
git this is playoff basketball but I
thought the r was anything above the
neck it's just a flagrant foul I mean
come on I mean that's just like the way
football is now it's just like man you
touch a go you just cuz you get like
that in football you getting up you
ain't going to lay down on the ground
and act like Paul y' got helmets on got
helmets on we not going to get
conversation he he did get up and he
came soon right back into the game but
he took a double shot cuz he took one
right to the face and and on his
tailbone he hit hard on his tailbone
because he completely lost his legs out
from under him okay did that affect him
down the stretch maybe a little bit he
scored a couple more buckets don't don't
don't do that don't do that that
affected him okay so
333 Pacers still up four seaka makes a
shot and your head coach has to call a
quick timeout I'm thinking God I don't
know almost sent you when we Jason Tatum
too he took Jason Tatum out look at we
were so confident we took Jason Tatum
out the game he had five fouls yeah
that's okay but three minutes ago you
can live with that you can live with
your star with that was a bad coaching
move that was a great coaching move all
right here's what happened to the Pacers
from this point forward 333 to close
they score exactly zero points and they
get outscored 7 to zero points and
here's what happened first we got that's
a pretty wide open shot by nouth and he
missed okay TJ shot and he missed it
that's his shot but of course he'd been
cold coocked so rebound then here we go
again and SE yakum goes inside and just
loses okay that's just horrible that's
unforced just lose the ball loses the
ball unforced error and then it okay
like the easiest block okay oh oh now he
can't shoot huh yeah and then now now
can't make a shot now that listen when
when the game get tight listen it's guys
by the way that last shot we saw from
Nim Hart that's to tie with what was it
33 seconds that's how close it came the
game gets tight then you see who the
real players are all right I mean listen
Indiana battle don't take anything away
from him did you think Nim Hart would
come out here and average 30 in the last
two games I mean we didn't see that we
didn't see that coming I mean goes for
what 32 and then 24 he pretty much no
but listen he pretty much gave you with
uh with halber probably would have gave
you so it's like halberton was still
there because Nim hard wasn't playing
like this yeah in the New York series
now they now they see that he can beat a
point and run Pascal seum gave you pass
out Pascal seak numbers the bench TJ
everybody played well what do you expect
everybody expects the Celtics just come
out here and blow everybody out because
there was no halberton no that's not how
this works these this is the playoffs
team schemes teams have game plans and
like I said this was the
unpredictability when you don't have
your star out there now look I think
it's going to be easier to defend
against the Dallas Mavericks for the
simple fact that we know what Luca is we
know what Kyrie is we know what Lively
does like you look at this roster they
got n Smith M Turner Ben Shepard Andrew
NIMH hard Obie we we don't know who's
going to be the guy that night and so we
don't know should we tra them hard all
of a sudden because he's making threes
and coming off the pick and Road looking
like halberton should we get the N Smith
all of a sudden he can he can just make
all these shots all of a sudden I mean
that's the unpredictability when you
don't have your star and that's what
makes you difficult to guard now Dallas
more predictable I think they'll have an
easier time guarding Dallas than they
did Indiana are you sure Dallas will
have both Luca and Kyrie for game one
two three you sure they'll have them
because they always get hurt everybody
you play gets hurt right you sure they
won't both turn their ankle and we hope
they there we hope they there you hope
they are yeah we hope they I hope
Lively's healthy I want everybody to be
healthy for the finals hopefully they
get porzingis back Dallas gets Lively
and cber back let's just see let's put