Max & Josue discuss pressure mounting for Jayson Tatum & the No. 1 Celtics heading into their first-round playoff series and Mike Gorman Day at TD Garden, as the Voice of the Celtics is retiring after 43 seasons behind the mic.
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00:00 [MUSIC]
00:10 Cedric Maxwell podcast is powered by price picks.
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00:18 Welcome back to another episode of Cedric Maxwell podcast.
00:21 I'm Joe Swapable and alongside Cedric Maxwell, the Boston Celtics
00:25 wrapped up the NBA season one of the best seasons historically for the franchise.
00:30 One of the best seasons for any NBA team.
00:33 They finished 64 and 18 with a double digit win against the Washington Wizards.
00:38 You had a top six take the day off and you had a very special Mike Gorman night
00:43 at TD Garden to commemorate the retirement of Mike Gorman, play by play.
00:48 Legend of play by play announcer Mike Gorman for 43 years.
00:53 Mike will continue through the first round of playoffs.
00:56 But just like we have no idea who they're playing.
01:00 Neither does Mike, no one knows.
01:01 So right now I just want to take this moment to just reflect on the Celtics season.
01:06 Let's see where your head's at right now, Max.
01:08 And then we can go back to, that's what we do here, right, Max?
01:12 We go back and we say, remember when you were worried about this, that, the other?
01:15 Or you said that?
01:16 This is that time of the year, right?
01:18 With the play in the new format.
01:21 So they have a whole week off before they find out, well,
01:24 at least by Friday they'll know who their first round opponent will be.
01:27 But Max, how do you feel?
01:28 How do you, looking back on the season, favorite games or moments?
01:33 Like what do you like most about this Celtics team this year?
01:36 >> I should say, probably the biggest surprises was just how well Porzingis played.
01:43 Porzingis fit in like a glove, man.
01:47 It was unreal to see him on the offensive end, defensive end.
01:51 Just how well this team played together.
01:53 Derek White had an all-star year, Drew Holiday, we miss Marcus Smart like a mug.
01:59 But Drew Holiday came in and filled those gaps brilliantly.
02:02 And Brown and Tatum continued to dazzle.
02:07 Al Horper coming off the bench, Joe Mazzulla made a bunch of great moves.
02:11 And Brassie, I don't know where you get the negatives with this team.
02:17 I mean, there's a few things you can nitpick and say.
02:21 They have to be a better rebounding club.
02:24 But overall, it was a damn good year for the Boston Celtics and
02:29 what they were able to do.
02:30 But, just the way we're in Boston, and that gets you what?
02:36 What does that get you, Joe Sway?
02:38 >> That gets you nothing.
02:39 >> We have historic year women.
02:41 What were the Patriots?
02:43 What were they, 17?
02:45 >> Man, it's still too soon, Max.
02:46 I don't wanna talk about that year.
02:48 >> No, it's not too soon, but it's just an example.
02:51 >> No, you're right, it's not too soon.
02:53 >> Look at last year, wasn't it the Boston Bruins had-
02:56 >> With the Bruins.
02:57 >> That had the unbelievable record, played so well, and
03:00 they got bounced in the first round.
03:03 So here in Boston, it's what you do in the postseason that really counts.
03:10 And so all the pressure is on the Boston Celtics,
03:14 because everybody has picked them as a favorite.
03:18 And when you're picked as a favorite, all you can do is fail.
03:23 I talked to Joe Mazzullo, and Joe said to me, he said, well,
03:27 I have to get that pressure off of Tatum.
03:29 And I said, you can't.
03:31 There's no way, he's like, why?
03:33 I said, because of what you and I do right now, social media.
03:38 Social media has taken over to a point where they're driving the bus when it
03:42 comes to putting pressure on players and teams that haven't won a championship.
03:47 >> No, you're right, man, 1000%.
03:51 I feel like with that pressure, you feel like he's equipped for
03:55 it because of what we've seen the last three, four years.
03:58 Especially after the first ever appearance in the NBA finals,
04:02 especially after the team he has around him, man.
04:04 It's like one of those classic narratives, when superstars,
04:08 when fans are saying, well, superstars need this and they need that.
04:13 This is that classic line with, and
04:14 I think we said it last week too, or a couple episodes ago.
04:17 What more do you need?
04:19 I mean, you've mentioned it, Kristaps Porzingis, Drew Holiday,
04:22 guys that just really filled a lot of the holes, if you will, right?
04:27 That's something's had throughout, flaws, I guess is a better way to say it.
04:31 And it enhanced both ends of the floor, and that's the part that I feel like
04:35 it's overlooked when you look at this team because of who they are offensively.
04:39 But defensively, they're right up there as well.
04:42 There's a team that have defeated teams,
04:47 that have destroyed teams throughout the regular season.
04:50 Which there was a couple of significant winning streaks, but
04:54 also there were also a couple of those games where you wondered to yourself, man,
04:57 are these guys getting bored?
04:59 Do they need to be challenged more?
05:01 Because that's how dominant they were.
05:03 >> Yeah, they were dominant.
05:04 There's no question.
05:06 If there's an Achilles heel for this team in the last three weeks,
05:11 last month, it's been too many offensive rebounds.
05:15 Teams have gotten that over and over again.
05:19 Josh Hart cannot out-rebound you with your team.
05:24 He can't get 17 rebounds against you, and Jalen Brown has none.
05:30 Or Tatum, he out-rebounded both those guys and everybody else on the team.
05:34 So if there's that little piece that if you wanna be nitpicky about,
05:39 you have to look at the fact that they have to do a better job
05:44 of rebounding the basketball on their defensive end.
05:49 Offensively, they're gonna be great.
05:51 But defensively, teams are going to attack them, and
05:54 they're gonna attack them by just throwing the ball up towards the rim and
05:57 running, trying to get rebounds.
05:59 Subtlety have to do a much better job of sealing people out and
06:03 getting rebounds, and they can always run once they get the rebound.
06:06 >> Right, right, definitely.
06:09 Yeah, I mean, that's definitely a flaw for sure.
06:11 I mean, when you look at the losses, that's usually the case in terms of
06:14 giving up second chance points, just being on the wrong end of a humongous
06:19 deficit on the rebounding side of things.
06:21 So yeah, for sure, I mean, that's part of it as well.
06:23 But when you look at the rest of the Eastern Conference, Max,
06:25 let me ask you this.
06:25 Does it matter to you when you see how things are broken down at the end here?
06:29 I mean, all of a sudden, the New York Knicks are the second seed,
06:32 which means if hypothetically, if they were to make it to the second round or
06:36 even the third round, I mean,
06:37 they would essentially avoid the Boston Celtics until the very end.
06:41 Or look at a team like the Milwaukee Bucks.
06:43 Now that they're slotted in third, they have to face the Indiana Pacers with
06:48 a banged up Giannis Antetokounmpo.
06:50 You got a really inspired Pacers team that's been trying to kind of show
06:55 the league that they've arrived.
06:57 They're one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference.
06:58 And this would be a great way to do it,
07:00 handing the Milwaukee Bucks back to back first round exits.
07:04 Or at least being the last team to do that,
07:07 I think it would definitely surprise some people.
07:11 But would it surprise you?
07:11 >> I don't know if it would surprise me or not,
07:14 because if you look at the way these two teams are played,
07:17 Indiana's had their number.
07:20 Indiana played well against the Celtics.
07:23 >> The lead offense.
07:24 >> They have a lead offense.
07:28 They're long, they're athletic.
07:30 And how are you gonna beat them?
07:31 You're gonna have to beat them because you have Giannis Antetokounmpo healthy.
07:35 And right now, I don't know how you're healthy if you have anything going on with
07:40 your lower extremities.
07:42 In a big time game, you gotta have all those power points.
07:48 And if you don't have him, I won't see how you beat Indiana.
07:51 Indiana gets you on a running game.
07:53 They wanna score 130 and just pick the pace up.
08:00 They went in no pun intended, pick the pace up and make sure you're tired.
08:05 And so Giannis is gonna have to guard, put Damian Lillard on an island
08:13 against Neesmith and a couple of guys like that.
08:17 And Indiana plays well at home.
08:19 They've just played well at home.
08:21 And they've beaten, I said, I think three out of four times,
08:26 they've beaten Giannis' team.
08:28 And the only time Giannis Milwaukee beat them, Giannis had to drop 50.
08:34 And I think that was the night that he attacked somebody and
08:37 wanted to get the basketball because they wouldn't give him the ball on the road.
08:41 So it's not gonna be easy.
08:44 It's not gonna be a cakewalk for anybody out there.
08:47 >> Yeah, I agree, man.
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09:44 [MUSIC]
09:47 >> I had to predict the first round surprise or first round upset,
09:52 that's what this would be technically.
09:55 This is probably it, I mean, it's gonna be a really, really fun series.
09:58 I don't think it'll be lopsided either way.
10:01 But yeah, man, I think the Bucks could be in trouble here.
10:04 They could really be in trouble.
10:05 The way they start out, especially in those first couple of games in Milwaukee,
10:10 it's gonna be really, really important when you look at just the way they are.
10:14 Lost back to back games to finish the season.
10:17 What are they, three and seven in their last ten?
10:19 I mean, momentum is certainly not on their side whatsoever going into
10:23 the playoffs.
10:23 >> Only team they slapped around was the Boston Celtics.
10:26 >> Yeah, for real.
10:27 >> Yeah, and the Celtics really didn't need to win the basketball game.
10:32 I mean, Celtics was so far ahead.
10:34 >> Right, and Max, it doesn't even feel relevant.
10:37 >> It wasn't one of those things we looked at, you went, okay,
10:40 here's where the Celtics are at, and here's where the Bucks at.
10:42 The Bucks have lost to some of these teams that you're going,
10:45 they lost to Washington, they lost to Toronto.
10:48 And some of these games were in Milwaukee with Giannis.
10:52 So it's gonna be a couple of tricky games early on to see how people play.
11:00 >> No question, man, for sure.
11:03 >> I mean, look, just how nervous are the Celtics gonna be in those first
11:08 couple of minutes if things aren't going right?
11:11 I mean, because you're just saying the team right now that's like, look,
11:16 we know we right now are looked at as the favorites to win the NBA championship.
11:21 And those first couple of minutes are gonna be critical.
11:25 So I would need to come out, play well, be very dominant,
11:29 put their foot on the opponent's throat early on and just keep it moving.
11:33 >> Right, no question, Max,
11:35 because then you're gonna just give confidence to the other team.
11:39 Even though we don't know who that team is, it's not gonna be light.
11:44 Let's call it like it is, Max.
11:45 I mean, well, you tell me, I mean, the way things are looking right now,
11:49 whether it's the Miami Heat, whether it's the Bulls, the Hawks, the 76ers.
11:54 I mean- >> None of those teams should present
11:57 a problem to the Boston Celtics if they are who we think they are.
12:03 If they're the best team right now in the league,
12:06 then those teams right now should not really pose a great problem to the Celtics.
12:12 Celtics should be armed and equipped and ready to play these guys.
12:16 If they bring their A game, I don't know who beats the Celtics,
12:20 who beats the Celtics, especially in the Eastern Conference.
12:23 >> No, I agree, Max, I agree.
12:25 I just think it's interesting because this could be one of those rare times where
12:30 your first round matchup could be more challenging than your second.
12:34 >> Listen, I'm not trying to throw shade at the Cleveland Cavaliers or
12:37 the Orlando Magic, that's the four or five right now.
12:39 Those are the two teams, one of those is gonna get through and
12:42 get to the second round.
12:44 But given what we know now, I would guess that that could happen.
12:49 It could be the case.
12:51 And I'm not gonna look all the way ahead to the Eastern Conference finals, but
12:53 just looking at what we're seeing right now, I think this first round matchup could
12:56 be one of those tests where something's gonna really try to, like you said,
13:00 are we this humongous giant that we say we are, that we've been all year long?
13:05 This is where they have to show it, that first round matchup.
13:07 >> And that first round matchup is gonna be critical not only for
13:11 them, but for all the people who have believed in them.
13:15 The Charles Barkley, this person of the world, that person of the world.
13:20 Some of my buddies who I played, going,
13:24 Maurice Cheeks who is with Chicago said, man, y'all got a hell of a team.
13:29 That's the best team right now in the league.
13:31 So the Celtics have to step up and prove that.
13:35 When they play their first game, it's gonna be critical.
13:38 Those first couple minutes are gonna be for people who are gonna be on eggshells.
13:42 But if they put their best foot forward, this team should win.
13:47 >> How much of the pressure falls on Tatum?
13:50 >> It shouldn't, but it is.
13:55 Because maybe some of the things he said, when he said, look,
13:58 I feel like I'm the best player in the world when I step on the floor.
14:02 And he shouldn't feel that way.
14:03 And he should say that if he's perfectly honest.
14:06 But when you say those things, Josue,
14:09 you also have to be able to back those things up.
14:13 >> Right. >> Jason Tatum has had a great year.
14:16 Even last year, you think about it,
14:18 the Celtics had the chance to make history last year in coming back and
14:23 beating Miami.
14:24 And what happens?
14:25 Jason Tatum twists his ankle on one of the first plays of the game.
14:30 And essentially, they were done.
14:33 Now, if he did that today, I think the Celtics still have so
14:36 many more weapons than they did last year.
14:39 That no, they couldn't win it without him.
14:41 But I think in a early round series, that they have guys who can step up and
14:47 make plays and do a lot of things to avail if Tatum isn't there.
14:53 >> Yeah, man, I also just think Tatum's in a space where he's ready.
14:56 He's ready to have that career defining run.
14:59 >> He better be.
15:01 >> Of course.
15:04 >> Honestly, guys are gonna come at you, man.
15:08 That's how this league is.
15:09 It's the weak and it's the strongest the weak.
15:14 The stronger always gonna try to devour the weak.
15:17 So you can't show any weakness at all.
15:22 The Celtics have to come out early in the series that they play and
15:27 put a stamp on that and saying, this league is in trouble.
15:31 >> Absolutely, man, strike fear.
15:35 Cuz that's how that you've been that team show that you're that team.
15:37 And then the best of seven series, the better team not only wins, but
15:41 it continues to make adjustments and any signs of vulnerability.
15:47 They're gonna address that, or at least that's what they're supposed to do,
15:49 especially in that first round matchup.
15:51 So I'm looking forward to it.
15:53 >> Indeed, totally believe exactly what you're saying.
15:57 >> Definitely, and they got three practice sessions going down at
16:02 the hour back center before Friday,
16:04 which we'll find out who the first round opponent will be.
16:07 And of course here on the podcast, man,
16:10 we got nothing but continuous coverage, breaking things down.
16:13 We got very special guests lined up as well.
16:16 And of course, we're keeping it 100 here on the Cedric Maxwell podcast.
16:19 But like I said at the top, man, Mike Gorman night, man, or
16:22 Mike Gorman day rather, at TD Garden was a great time, man.
16:26 That's obviously someone like me who grew up around this area,
16:30 the voice of the Celtics for sure, man, it's what I grew up on.
16:33 And a lot of people around these parts can say the same.
16:37 Max, what did you think of the ceremony and everything that happened at TD Garden?
16:40 And Mike Gorman going into his final series of broadcasting games.
16:47 >> I loved it, I loved it.
16:49 I think the funniest thing about it,
16:51 you can almost tell that Mike didn't wanna be there.
16:54 Mike has always been so understated, but to put Mike in the spotlight, just him.
17:00 That's not him, he can always kind of shield himself with Tommy or
17:06 Scal or whoever he's been with.
17:08 But you put him up front on stage, essentially by himself to celebrate.
17:14 And it was a great moment for him, but at the same time, you could tell he was like,
17:18 well, if we just get this thing over with, I'll be happy.
17:21 >> Yeah, you could tell too, but you can see how Scal was kind of like,
17:28 I feel like he was bouncing it off Scal, and then Scal kind of flipped it too.
17:32 So he was trying his best to kind of keep it going, keep it flowing.
17:36 I thought the stories were perfect.
17:37 They weren't too long, they weren't too drawn out.
17:39 And he kept it short and sweet.
17:41 As he said, less is better.
17:42 And I thought that was a perfect touch, perfect way for
17:45 Mike to get the salute, get the flowers that he deserves for sure.
17:49 >> Mike, God bless you.
17:52 We always remember what, you will always remember,
17:54 Cedric Maxwell will always remember what you told him that your father said.
18:00 Mike, never miss an opportunity to save nothing.
18:04 And because of that, that means that you're listening and
18:07 you're able to absorb a lot of different things.
18:10 And Mike, thank you for that parable.
18:12 That's one that I try to use a little bit more and
18:15 talk less and listen a little bit more.
18:17 >> Absolutely, man.
18:20 Thank you, Mike, for just a fun, exciting career,
18:24 everything that you accomplished, man.
18:28 Hall of Fame career for sure, man.
18:30 Thank you for the memories, for the calls.
18:32 And of course, good luck.
18:34 I mean, enjoy retirement.
18:36 Like he said, spending time with his granddaughter and all that.
18:39 Just take it all in, man.
18:40 Watch the games you wanna watch, of course, because you know he's watching basketball.
18:44 Like he told me, hopefully we'll see you back at the Garden sometime, man.
18:47 Come on, come on.
18:48 >> You'll always be a Celtic, Mike.
18:50 You'll always be a Celtic.
18:52 >> Absolutely.
18:53 That's a wrap for this episode of the Cedric Maxwell podcast.
18:55 We'll see you guys next week.
18:57 He is Cedric Maxwell, I am Josue Pavone.
18:59 And by the next episode, we'll know who's playing in that first round matchup,
19:04 first round series.
19:05 And I can't wait, man.
19:06 We'll see you guys then.
19:07 >> What's going on everyone?
19:08 It's Josue Pavone here.
19:09 If you made it this far, that means you really enjoyed this video.
19:12 Make sure you follow all of our social media platforms @CelticCLNS.
19:16 And of course, follow us here on YouTube.
19:18 [MUSIC]