For the second time in as many rounds, the top-seeded Celtics have a chance to end a playoff series on the road. Boston went to Chicago to defeat the Bulls in six games, and on Friday they’re in Washington to face the Wizards in the same situation. And that’s exactly what shooting guard Avery Bradley wants.
On Friday, Bradley told ESPN’s Chris Forsberg that the best feeling in the world is ending a series on your opponent’s turf.
Avery Bradley: "I always tell people there’s not a better feeling than closing out a series on someone else’s court.” pic.twitter.com/FOCCjkuvLC
— Chris Forsberg (@ChrisForsberg_) May 12, 2017
Here’s the full quote:
“You want to know something? I think that’s big. For us to already go through that against a very good team [in the Chicago Bulls], against an intense crowd. I think it’s a good test for us. I always tell people there’s not a better feeling than closing out a series on someone else’s court. So it’s a great opportunity for us tonight, and I know that if we come out playing the same way we played last game, we’ll have a chance to be smiling, laughing, just like we were after the Chicago series.”
The Celtics are five point underdogs tonight and have lost both games in D.C. this series. For what it’s worth, they also lost both regular season matchups at the Verizon Center. So they’ve played four times in that building since November, and gone 0-4 with the Wizards holding an average margin of victory of 21.5 points.
Even if the Celtics smell blood and are eager to close this series on the road, they should be wary. Bradley’s quote seems like perfect bulletin board material for Wizards coach Scott Brooks to get his players amped up and playing with an edge. Remember, this has already been quite a heated series.
