Celtics NBA Finals performance reminiscent of great Spurs team

In 2014, the San Antonio Spurs claimed their last championship, marking the culmination of a revenge tour born from a heartbreaking loss in the previous NBA Finals. Spurs fans vividly remember when Ray Allen sank that game-tying three-pointer in Game 6 of the 2013 Finals, a dagger that ultimately led San Antonio to a loss in an epic series to the Miami Heat. The following season, everything the Spurs did seemed to have been dialed up.

They dominated teams all year, finishing the regular season with a 62-20 record. Their revenge was sweet and decisive, ending in a rout of the Miami Heat with the largest point differential in Finals history—a record that still stands today. This success was achieved through discipline, almost perfect rotations on defense, and consistent ball movement with players who could dribble, pass, and shoot seamlessly.

Multiple teams have copies the 2014 Spurs model

Fast forward to the present, and the Boston Celtics' performance in the current NBA Finals is evoking memories of that great Spurs team. The Celtics are up 2-0 on the Dallas Mavericks, and they are doing it in a fashion eerily similar to the Spurs’ approach a decade ago. Boston’s roster is deep and versatile, boasting players who can contribute across the board.

In Game 2, the Celtics showcased their depth and teamwork. Jrue Holiday scored 26 points, Jaylen Brown added 21, and no other player had more than 18 points. Despite struggling from the perimeter, they won by playing together in every sense of the word. This approach is very reminiscent of the Spurs' style: disciplined defense, unselfish ball movement, and versatile players who can step up when needed.

The Celtics' success thus far in the Finals highlights the importance of team cohesion and versatility, traits that defined the Spurs' dynasty. Just as the Spurs’ 2014 championship was about redemption and proving their excellence through impeccable teamwork, the Celtics are demonstrating a similar drive and unity. They are not reliant on a single superstar but rather on the collective strength of their roster.

Boston’s ability to replicate the Spurs’ blueprint bodes well for their championship aspirations. They are not only winning but doing so in a manner that reflects a deep understanding of team basketball. The comparison to the Silver and Black is not just a nostalgic nod to the past but a recognition of the timeless effectiveness of disciplined, team-oriented play.

For Spurs fans, watching Boston might feel like watching a tribute to their 2014 team. It’s a reminder of what makes basketball beautiful: the synergy, the selflessness, and the shared pursuit of greatness. As the Celtics continue their quest for the title, they are paying the ultimate compliment to the Spurs by embodying the principles that made San Antonio champions a decade ago.