Boston Celtics’ Coach Steps in to Diffuse Tension Between Teammates After Loss in Game 2 Against Miami Heat
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USA Today via Reuters
Sep 17, 2020; Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA; Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) defends Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) during the fourth quarter in game two of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2020 NBA Playoffs at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Disagreements and frustrations are a part and parcel of the NBA, especially after a loss. The Celtics had a disappointing Game 2 against Miami Heat, and it was bound to create some mixed feelings within the teammates. They lost a game that should have been an obvious win for them after getting a 17 point lead. Some blame games took place in the Celtics Locker room. Eventually, coach Brad Stevens had to step in to diffuse the situation.
Celtics Coach Brad Stevens brings the team back together
After the game, there was a lot of ruckus inside and outside the Celtics Locker room. Waiting for post-game interviews, the media heard yelling and swearing. According to The Athletic, “Boston Celtics’ Marcus Smart and Jaylen Brown had a heated confrontation inside that locker room after the Game 2 loss and needed to be separated by teammates.”
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The argument got so intense that objects were also thrown around. Ultimately, all the teammates had to step up to ensure there are no physical altercations.
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Sources: Boston’s Marcus Smart and Jaylen Brown had heated confrontation after Game 2 loss, needed to be separated.
Details on @TheAthleticNBA: https://t.co/7NZr4V2pD7
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 18, 2020
This incident sparked a lot of worry for the team. Fighting within the team itself at such a crucial stage will only make things worse. However, As per ESPN, “Brad Stevens had a late-night Thursday meeting with Celtics leaders–Kemba Walker, Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Marcus Smart–to work through the emotions of post-Game 2 locker room.”
ESPN Sources: Brad Stevens had a late night Thursday meeting with Celtics leaders – Kemba Walker, Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and Marcus Smart – to work through emotions of post-Game 2 locker room. A lot of yelling in locker room, but nothing escalated to a physical confrontation.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 18, 2020
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Can the team move ahead before the critical Game 3?
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“(Smart) plays with passion, he’s full of fire, and that’s what I love about him most,” Brown said after Game 2. “He has that desire and that will, and we need him to continue to have that. We embrace each other, and who Marcus is, I love him for it.” Through his words, it seems like the situation between them has died down. Likewise, this should not affect their Game 3 performance in any way.
Celtics’ players know exactly what’s at stake at the moment. They can’t let these petty squabbles cost them a potential championship trophy. Will the Celtics lose out on this opportunity? Or give Heat a taste of the fire that beat the defending champions?
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