What separates a champion from everyone else?
After watching the Boston Celtics defeat the Dallas Mavericks (relatively easily) in five games for their NBA record 18th Championship, I wanted to share some of my thoughts on what makes a champion. Yes, we watch the games, but what do we notice about the teams? Better players? Better coaching? What goes into winning a championship? In the #CJJblog this week, I share some of my thoughts on why the Celtics were so dominant. Enjoy.
- Player leadership. The Boston players were clearly more focused on leadership and their roles. Each player who stepped on the court out-worked the Mavs players and they were lead by the duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, who lead with their actions.
- Role players. The stars of Tatum and Brown did their thing, but it was the role players who really stepped up. Their solid play really separated the Celtics in the series.
- Defense. Other than the game four anomaly, the Boston team defense was incredible. Their commitment on that end of the floor was very noticeable.
- We > me. The selflessness of the Celtics the entire series was very impressive. Their winning attitude was present immediately after the Eastern Conference Finals and their focus shifted to the NBA Finals. They were all about winning.
- Adversity. Boston showed their resolve by handling adversity much better the entire series. Injuries, officials, fans, media… Nothing slowed them down.
- Coaching. The coaching staff was changed last offseason before the year started, and it showed. The team was dominant from start to finish. Tremendous credit to Coach Joe Mazzulla and his staff for doing a fabulous job.
Did You Know? Rochester-Native, Jeff Van Gundy, is an advisor on the Celtics staff and took part in this championship run. Also, our very own Coach Jim Johnson was an assistant on the staff at Genesee Community College here in Rochester for his father, Bill Van Gundy.
Life Tip #83: Be a team builder. Develop and stick to the process.
Deckard & Company