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Boston Celtics sharpshooter Sam Hauser has an interesting approach to the team’s Game 5 matchup with the Dallas Mavericks in the 2024 NBA Finals.
“If we do lose, it’s not like it’s the end of the world,” Hauser told reporters.
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Sam Hauser’s mentality ahead of Game 5 😅 pic.twitter.com/PKAs7Iubvo
After the Celtics took a commanding 3-0 series lead, the Mavericks secured a lopsided Game 4 victory on Friday to keep their season alive. No team in NBA history has ever come back to win a playoff series after trailing 3-0.
Although Boston would still hold a series lead if a Game 5 loss occurs, head coach Joe Mazzulla likely doesn’t share the same exact view as Hauser. When asked on Sunday about potentially joining a storied list of Celtics coaches after winning a potential title, Mazzulla wasn’t interested in the hypothetical.
“That’ll never happen if you don’t run back on defense, rebound, execute and get to your spacing,” he said.
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Joe Mazzulla gives a blunt response after being asked what it would mean to him to join a list of legendary Celtics coaches to win the Finals:
“That’ll never happen if you don’t run back on defense, rebound, execute and get to your spacing” pic.twitter.com/Q9G87NHzXF
The Celtics are fully aware of the mindset needed when facing a large series deficit, as they trailed 3-0 in the 2023 Eastern Conference Finals against the Miami Heat. Although Boston rallied to force a deciding Game 7 at home, the Heat emerged victorious.
Celtics forward Al Horford referenced the team’s 2023 situation when speaking about Dallas’ approach after Game 4.
“We understand that they are a desperate team and that they are probably playing a little freer,” Horford said, per Eddie Sefko of the Mavericks’ team website. “We know what that mindset is like. For us, it’s really controlling what we can control.”
While Hauser may be taking a comfortable approach to Game 5, he’s stepped up against Dallas in the 2024 Finals. He’s currently averaging 8.3 points and 2.8 rebounds in 15.1 minutes per game, shooting 52.9 percent on three-pointers. In fact, he owns the highest net rating on the Celtics among players to appear in at least three games during the series (via NBA.com).
Boston could use Hauser’s continued offensive output, especially with Kristaps Porziņģis still recovering from a leg injury. Porziņģis is currently listed as questionable for Game 5.
The Celtics will attempt to close out the Mavericks on Monday, with tip-off at 8:30 p.m. ET.
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