(Photo by Rich Fury/Getty Images)
The Boston Celtics needed to bounce back and make a statement, and so they did.
They shockingly lost Game 2 to their nemesis, the Miami Heat, despite being at home and not having to face Terry Rozier and Jimmy Butler.
Joe Mazzulla had his team ready to respond, and they’ve won back-to-back blowouts ever since.
That’s why Hall of Famer Charles Barkley currently believes they’re the team to beat to win an NBA Championship.
Following their win over the Heat, the former star stated that if they’re healthy, they have everything they need to finally get the job done, from the star power to the serviceable role players and defensive intensity (Via Awful Announcing).
“I just hope [Kristaps Porzingis] is alright. Because, listen, let’s be honest- if the Celtics are healthy, they’re going to win the championship, in my opinion.” – Charles Barkley pic.twitter.com/hIybScWmK4
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) April 30, 2024
Of course, he also talked about Kristaps Porzingis’ availability, as the talented big man suffered an injury during Game 4.
Porzingis left the game in evident discomfort and given his history of injuries; this should be a major concern for Joe Mazzulla’s side.
The Celtics have more than enough depth to get by without him, and they should still make it to the NBA Finals even if he’s unable to play.
However, Porzingis’ impact on both ends of the floor has been superb this season, and there’s a reason why they traded for him in the first place.
Also, this Celtics team has a long history of underperforming when it matters the most, and that’s particularly true for Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, so having another 17+ points-per-game scorer by their side takes plenty of pressure off their shoulders.
The post Charles Barkley Has A Strong Belief On Which Team Will Win NBA Title appeared first on The Cold Wire.