Things couldn’t have gone better for the Celtics in Game 1…
while we have our fingers crossed for the traveling Mets.
Celtics Make Game 1 Statement
What Happened: The Celtics entered the NBA Finals 3-0 in Game 1s this postseason. Despite advancing this far, the Mavericks were just 1-2 in series-openers.
Last night stuck to the script, as Boston made a statement with a 107-89 beatdown to take the first game of the series. The scoreline was big, but Dallas’ worries could be even bigger.
Why It Matters: For many, how far the Celtics will go depends on Jayson Tatum’s ability to carry his team. But if Tatum can have a game like he did last night, and Boston can still cruise to a victory…look out.
Tatum contributed 16 points in 42 minutes, and was outscored by Jaylen Brown and Kristaps Porzingis. Porzingis is the wildcard for the Eastern Conference champs; in his first game back since Round 1, he looked like a true difference-maker. The big man ended the game with 20 points and six rebounds in 20 minutes of game time.
Dallas got just 12 points from Kyrie Irving in the loss, meanwhile. It’s a gruesome combination for Jason Kidd’s team — his squad’s second banana failed to show up, while Boston’s third option put on a clinic.
Boston’s odds to win the series have skyrocketed to -420, but as mentioned, being down 0-1 hasn’t stopped Luka Doncic and the Mavs yet. At this point, aiming for a more competitive effort might be all the team can ask for.
How We’re Feeling Today
Hoping Major League Baseball isn’t putting international relations in harm’s way.
This weekend, baseball fans in Britain will get a chance to watch America’s pastime live when London Stadium hosts the National League-leading Philadelphia Phillies and the…New York Mets.
The Amazins ride a three-game winning streak across the pond, but anyone who has spent time following this team will be watching nervously on Saturday and Sunday.
Not nervous their favorite team is going to lose; the team does plenty of that. No, the Mets’ capacity to fail in novel and headline-grabbing ways is well known. Who knows what happens when this team goes international.
A quiet series is probably for the best for Flushing’s finest. If this team makes noise while abroad, the odds are strong it won’t be for positive reasons.
The Look Ahead
Chris Bassitt STRIKEOUTS – Over the last two weeks, only the Mariners and Rockies have struck out more as a team than the Athletics have. We’re ready to ride the cold streak, especially with Chris Bassitt on the hill for Toronto. The righty has K’d seven batters in each of his last two starts, making him an enticing play with a line of 5.5 strikeouts for his start tonight.
