Heading into the first round match-up between the Celtics and the Heat, there was an understanding that the talent gap between the rosters meant the only way the Celtics would lose is if the Heat out-toughed the Celtics.
For several years now, the Celtics have faced criticism for being the softer team – with last year’s Eastern Conference Finals loss being prime fodder for those critiques. Most recently, in February, after a loss to the Lakers, Charles Barkley said the Celtics weren’t “mentally tough” and therefore, couldn’t win a championship. That declaration came in the midst of a singular loss during what was a historically-dominant Celtics season — but was one this Celtics core has faced time and again.