While the NBA version of the Celtics are wrapping up their regular season, their G League counterparts are busy making a deep playoff run. And just like the NBA C’s, the G League C’s have a real shot at winning the whole thing.
The Maine Celtics are onto the G League Finals after beating the No. 5-seeded Long Island Nets 99-77 on Sunday. The Celtics went on a huge run in the fourth quarter, outscoring the opposition 38-17 in a huge fourth quarter, led by DJ Steward’s 27 points off the bench.
Here’s everything you need to know as the Maine Celtics prepare for the G League Finals:
How did they get here?
The Celtics finished 21-13 in the Eastern Conference, earning the No. 2 seed. The top-6 teams from each conference make the G League playoffs with the first round between No. 3 vs. No. 6 and No. 4 vs. No. 5. The No. 1 and No. 2 seeds, so the Celtics, earned a bye into the second round. The first two rounds are single-elimination games. The G League Finals are a best-of-3 series.
The Celtics beat the No. 6 seed Delaware Blue Coats 119-112 in the first round to advance to the semifinals. Then they beat the Nets to advance to the G League Finals.
Who will they play and when?
The Celtics will play the No. 3 seed from the West, the Oklahoma City Blue. The Blue beat the No. 1 seed Stockton Kings 114-107 on Sunday. So that sets the stage for the G League Finals. Game 1 of the series, which the C’s will host, will be April 9, 12 and 15 (if necessary).
Who’s worth keeping an eye on for the Maine Celtics?
One of the first players Celtics fans are going to notice is Jordan Walsh, the rookie who was picked 38th overall in last year’s draft. Walsh, who turned 20 last month, has gotten plenty of G League assignments throughout his rookie season. He had 15 points and seven rebounds as he continues to round out his game at the pro level.
Obviously, the three two-way players down in Maine are the guys Celtics fans should watch. JD Davison is in his second year with the organization; he finished with 19 points and 11 assists in the win over the Nets. He was a G League All-Star earlier this season.
Neemias Queta is also a name C’s fans are likely going to remember as he’s spent quite some time in Boston earlier this season. Queta had 16 points and 19 rebounds in the Nets win. Drew Peterson rounds out the three two-way names, and he had 12 points in the Nets win, though it was an off-night shooting.
Of note, former NBA veteran Tony Snell is still playing for the Celtics in a smaller role. Former five-star recruit Steward was also instrumental in the Nets victory.
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