Pair of drama-filled Game 7s on tap today
The NBA’s long regular season can be tedious, but make no mistake, it matters.
Just ask the Boston Celt- ics and Phoenix Suns — two teams who have homecourt advantage in Game 7 of their respective secondround NBA playoff series today thanks to superior regular-season records.
The Celtics host the Milwaukee Bucks a few hours before the Suns host the Dallas Mavericks in what could be a drama-filled day.
“It means everything,” Celtics forward Jayson Tatum said of getting Game 7 in Boston. “The best atmosphere in the NBA. Game 7s are the biggest and best games. Looking forward to it, truly.
“It’s basketball – biggest moments, biggest stage. What it boils down to is now go out there and just have fun.”
Suns All-Star guard Devin Booker echoed those sentiments.
“We worked all season to have home-court advantage and get the last game in our house,” Booker said. “It’s exciting. It’s Game 7. I’ve never been in a Game 7, so this will be fun.”
The Mavericks have a particularly difficult task in their game against the Suns. The home team has won each of the first six games of the series, and many of those games have been blowouts.
“Our fan base is great for us, their fan base is great for them,” Mavericks guard Jalen Brunson said. “Home-court advantage is a real thing. Respect to both fan bases making it difficult for the away team.”
It’s the second consecutive year the Mavericks have played a Game 7. Dallas lost to the Clippers in Los Angeles in last year’s contest after the visiting team won the first six games of the series.
The Celtics and Bucks have alternated victories throughout their series. By that pattern, it should be the Bucks’ turn to get the win. But there’s little doubt Boston’s home court will be loud and hostile on Sunday.
“For me, I’ve just got to go play,” Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo said. “I want my teammates to enjoy the moment.”
RIVERS WILL BE BACK AS SIXERS' COACH » Addressing the big question about Doc Rivers’ future as the 76ers’ head coach, team president of basketball operations Daryl Morey gave his assurance on Friday that Rivers will be back next season.
“He’s a great coach,” Morey said one day after the Sixers were eliminated by the Miami Heat in the second round of the NBA playoffs. “I love working with him. I feel like I’m learning from him.
“I think Elton [Brand, general manager] and I and him make a great team. And we’re going to see where this journey