Boston Celtics head coach Brad Stevens was Wednesday asked if his team reminds him of the Philadelphia Eagles in regards to overcoming injuries to key players.
Stevens’ response: “I’m a Patriots fan.”
Brad Stevens is asked if he sees a parallel between the Celtics and the Eagles in terms of their respective abilities to overcome adversity. Coach responds, “I’m a @Patriots fan.”
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) May 2, 2018
The parallels are clear. Boston is currently taking on the Philadelphia Sixers in the Eastern Conference semifinals. They are playing without their top two players, Gordon Hayward and Kyrie Irving. Hayward suffered a fractured tibia and dislocated ankle in his left leg during the Celtics’ season opener back in October. Irving is out after having procedures on knee following a history of knee issues dating back to his time in Cleveland.
Similarly, the Eagles had to overcome losing their starting quarterback, MVP front-runner Carson Wentz. Backup Nick Foles was inserted into the starting lineup and while his play fluctuated, the former St. Louis Rams’ QB led the birds to the franchise’s first ever Super Bowl victory, defeating the Patriots.
Stevens was spotted wearing a Patriots hat the day before the big game in February.
#Celtics coach Brad Stevens did hit postgame press conference in a #Patriots #NotDone hat & C’s hoodie with cut-off sleeves to honor Bill Belichick next to Marcus Morris in a Carson Wentz shirt. #SuperBowl pic.twitter.com/LSlVB7OS7g
— Scott Souza (@Scott_Souza) February 4, 2018