While the Celtics could hear the Warriors celebrating after Game 6 of the NBA Finals last season, Brad Stevens was watching the celebrations from close quarters. Stevens, Boston’s president of basketball operations, reportedly shook hands with every Warriors player and coach outside his dressing room, According to Steve Bullpett of HeavyRight after the final-clinching game.
Bullpett also reported that a Warriors employee told Stevens that the gesture was appreciated when Golden State was in town to play the Celtics this week. Stevens’ first season in the front office was successful as the Celtics lost 4–2 to the Warriors in the Finals.
The Warriors won the first Finals rematch in December, but the Celtics completed a second-half comeback on Thursday with an overtime thriller. It was a tough shooting night for the Celtics, but they still won because they leaned on their defense down the stretch.
While the Warriors are the defending champions, the Celtics have been the best basketball team this season. Boston brings a league-best 34-12 record into its Saturday game against the Raptors, one of the best offenses and defenses in the league. In contrast, Golden State is 23–23 and has struggled with injuries on the road and during their title defense season.
Stevens made a classy move to congratulate the Warriors, but the Celtics will hope they hang up the banner at the end of this season. With a young core of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, Boston has a great chance to be a title contender.
