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Charles Krupa / Associated Press
The Boston Celtics were in an NBA finals match last season, although Gordon Hayward and Kyrie Irving did not play in the playoffs, but with a healthy team, Irving believes they have the talent to make facing the best.
"Can we beat Golden State in a seven-game series? Yes," Irving told Jackie MacMullan. "Because of who we have and what we establish here, not just for this season, but, hopefully, for the next few years, something really special."
The Warriors have competed in four consecutive finals and have won three championships in this period, including each of the last two since Kevin Durant, former NBA MVP, was added during the off-season. And although they are the reference right now, Irving believes that his team is more than able to dethrone the champions.
After all, it's someone who has faced Golden State three times in the final. and is a big reason why the warriors are not the four defending champions.
"I played against Golden State in three consecutive finals (2015-17) – twice that I was able to participate – and see them evolve, with the talent they have, then adding the Cousins. From DeMarcus [this offseason]"It's like, OK, the whole league has been warned," Irving told MacMullan.
"But there's one factor they're aware of, and I'm aware of it, and I've seen them up close, I've played them so many times, we've gone into a seven-game series. [when I was in Cleveland]so I know what it takes. "
Irving acknowledged that the Warriors could be even better by adding DeMarcus Cousins to the center of the stars. However, the Celtics could also be much improved as they are healthy.
Boston participated in the consecutive finals of the Eastern Conference. While they were expected to be among the favorites in the East last year, their championship aspirations were a big hit when Hayward broke his left leg at the opening night. . Although he appeared in 60 games, Irving was finally closed in March surgery remove a tension wire in his left knee.
Even without Hayward and Irving, the Celtics proved to be a formidable enemy. They survived a tough test from Milwaukee Bucks, led by Giannis Antetokounmpo in the first round, and defeated the Philadelphia 76ers in five games in the second round before finally beating LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers in seven games. Eastern Conference Finals
Veterans Al Horford, Marcus Smart and Terry Rozier led without Hayward and Irving, Rookie of the Year candidate Jayson Tatum and second-year guard Jaylen Brown were even more present.
Golden State will enter the season as favorites for the Larry O'Brien Trophy, but as long as Boston stays healthy, Irving thinks the Celtics can make things interesting.
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