NBA Finals 2022: The 3 players to watch for Boston Celtics

Record 17-time NBA champion Boston Celtics pulled off an incredible comeback in the ongoing season. It defeated former three-time champion Miami Heat in the Conference Finals to make it to the Finals for the 33rd time. As it eyes its record-breaking 18th championship, it will have to rely on some of its top players to get the job done, as has been the case throughout the season. So, who can be the ones to change the game for the Celtics? Here, we present the three lads who could prove vital for the side in the Finals.

Jayson Tatum: One of the undoubted superstars of these playoffs has been Jayson Tatum. Whenever the Celtics have needed a big performance, he has delivered. Game 3 vs the Brooklyn Nets to essentially seal the series, 46 points in an elimination game vs the Milwaukee Bucks, or leading his team in scoring to win a game, seven on the road against the Miami Heat.

ALSO READ: NBA 2021-22 - 'Miami Heat's season a waste of a year - Kyle Lowry

Tatum will need to be at his best once against an extremely well-oiled and versatile golden-state warriors defence. Tatum has been a great defender throughout the season and will need to be at his best on that end if the Celtics want to contain the Stephen Curry-led Golden State Offense.

Jaylen Brown: Jaylen Brown has proven himself to be a capable second-star for a finals team, silencing the critics. Like most second-stars, there has been a share of lean games. However, Brown has done an excellent job of making up for these. For example, Brown struggled in the Celtics’ Game 1 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks, with 4/13 shooting from the field and seven turnovers.

ALSO READ: NBA 2021-22 - How Golden State Warriors' Klay Thompson bounced back with a bang?

However, he followed this game up with a 30-point masterclass that included six three-point makes to help the Celtics win comfortably. Brown will need to be on his top game on both ends in this series, with Steph Curry and Klay Thompson constantly causing havoc with their off-ball movement.

Marcus Smart: The Defensive Player Of The Year and the heart and soul of the Celtics’ defence, Marcus Smart will be assigned the unforgiving task of being Stephen Curry’s primary defender. Not only will wise have to be active on drives and the point of attack, but he will also need to be a great screen navigator, as the Warriors will constantly look to hunt mismatches. Offensively, the Celtics will need more consistency from Smart, especially when it comes to shot selection, decision-making, and open shot-making. Smart’s performance on both ends will likely play a massive role in the series result.