BRAD STEVENSBOSTON CELTICSMIAMI HEATPHILADELPHIA 76ERSHeading into the postseason, the Boston Celtics are in the dark. Their reward for a 64-win season is not knowing their first-round matchup until the Play-In Tournament concludes.First, the Philadelphia 76ers and Miami Heat play, and the winner of that game will play the New York Knicks. From there, the loser of that game will play the winner of the Chicago Bulls-Atlanta Hawks matchup, and Boston will get the victor.Keep WatchingWhile most assume the 76ers and Heat will be the two teams to advance, Boston is forced to operate with uncertainty. That means preparing for multiple scenarios while waiting to hone in on a specific opponent.Celtics President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens spoke to the media on Tuesday afternoon. He noted the success of the Play-In Tournament from an engagement standpoint.But when questioned about the challenges of Boston not knowing their first-round opponent, Stevens broadened his perspective.“Everything is challenging in the playoffs,” Stevens said. “The one thing about the playoffs is you better play well. So, we’re going to play a really good team right out of the gate regardless of which of the four teams it is. We’re going to have to be ready, and we’re going to have to play well.”The regular season and postseason are different beasts. There is no such thing as an easy road to a title. Each champion’s path may look different, but they all faced a unique set of circumstances en route to a ring.For the Celtics, that path starts with the unknown. And that’s okay.Further ReadingBrad Stevens Notes Crucial Element of Celtics’ Title Pursuit: ‘Bigger Than Themselves’After Career Night, Reflective Payton Pritchard Discusses NBA Journey and His Ultimate Pursuit’Nip That in the Bud’: Celtics Address End-of-Season StrugglesJrue Holiday on Celtics Extension: ‘Try to Get More Banners, Get More Rings’Celtics Embracing Challenge to Go Beyond Most TalentedJayson Tatum Opens Up About Sacrificing in Celtics’ Title Pursuit: ‘It’s a Process’
