NY Knicks and Boston Celtics Playoff Series Preview

A matchup between these tacticians could be one for the NY Knicks’ record books

While these coaches couldn’t be more different, they’re two talents whose styles will clash if the two teams they lead match up.

Back in April, the Celtics thrived winning 11 out of 16 games scoring over 100 in 14 out of 16 of those games.

With a dual-threat of all-stars Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum leading in scoring and star point guard Kemba Walker running the team, it looked like the Celtics were finally finding their identity again and establishing themselves as a top-tier team.

Meanwhile, in May they’ve lost five of six and are a lock to be in the play-in tournament.

On top of that, they lost Jaylen Brown for the season putting a chip on the shoulder of trade deadline acquisition Evan Fournier to produce.

While Stevens has taken this Celtics team to the Eastern Conference Finals once before, there will be a large uphill climb if he wants to do it again, especially with the coach he’s going up against.

On the other side of the spectrum, Tom Thibodeau has done what Knicks fans have been waiting for for years on end.

Take the New York Knicks to the playoffs.

After years of experimenting with multiple different coaches, New York has finally hit the jackpot with Coach Thibs.

With Boston being an offense-focused team, I see Thibs’ defensive focus being vital if these two teams happened to face one another.

The Knicks have been in the top-4 in defensive rating all season and with the Celtics struggling to get into a groove offensively, it shouldn’t be hard to take advantage of for Thibodeau and his squad.

While it is important to pay respect to Stevens and his track record, I think Thibs can easily outcoach Stevens in a seven-game set.