Before winning a ring, Boston was subjected to peculiar levels of scrutiny and doubt. Each loss was a sign of cracks in the armor, and an opportunity to diminish their accomplishments.
One of the many baseless claims to gain traction during last year’s title run came from Boston Celtics superfan Udonis Haslem.
“They haven’t been battle-tested. I don’t know if that’s a good thing to get battle-tested in the Finals...That might be too late to get battle-tested.” said Haslem.
This was of course, completely nonsensical, but it didn’t stop people from running with it.