Boston Celtics sharpshooter Sam Hauser has an interesting approach to the teamâs Game 5 matchup with the Dallas Mavericks in the 2024 NBA Finals.
âIf we do lose, itâs not like itâs the end of the world,â Hauser told reporters.
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Sam Hauserâs mentality ahead of Game 5 đ 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 doesnât 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 wasnât interested in the hypothetical.
âThatâll never happen if you donât run back on defense, rebound, execute and get to your spacing,â 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:
âThatâll never happen if you donât run back on defense, rebound, execute and get to your spacingâ 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 teamâs 2023 situation when speaking about Dallasâ approach after Game 4.
âWe understand that they are a desperate team and that they are probably playing a little freer,â Horford said, per Eddie Sefko of the Mavericksâ team website. âWe know what that mindset is like. For us, itâs really controlling what we can control.â
While Hauser may be taking a comfortable approach to Game 5, heâs stepped up against Dallas in the 2024 Finals. Heâs 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 Hauserâs continued offensive output, especially with Kristaps PorziĆÄŁis still recovering from a leg injury. PorziĆÄŁis 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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