Stevens' Celtics Focused On Playing Well, Not Home-Court Advantage
BOSTON (CBS) -- The Celtics have already locked up a spot in the NBA playoffs, and all that's left to decide is where they'll finish in the Eastern Conference.
But even though the C's will close the season with three games against potential postseason opponents, which will likely determine if they play host or have to hit the road in the first round, the focus remains the same for Brad Stevens' squad.
"The only thing that matters to me is playing well, and that's the same stance we've had all year. We have to focus on playing well -- playing good offense, good defense and taking care of the next possession. We'll let the results take care of themselves. [More] times than not, you'll have success if you do that," Stevens told 98.5 The Sports Hub's Zolak & Bertrand on Wednesday. "Talking about playoff position and seeding is counter to the daily message. For us, it remains the same and that is focus on the things we can control and play well."
That means all the team cares about at the moment is Wednesday night's tilt against the New Orleans Pelicans.
"We don't talk about having to protect home court because I don't want to give a false sense of security that home will take care of you if you've played well there. And you don't want to make [playing] on the road out to be a bigger animal than it is," added Stevens. "You prepare to play between the lines, and everything else takes care of itself. I don't want to give excuses or make these extra hurdles that aren't there."
Stevens also touched on the impact of Evan Turner's eye injury, and the opportunities other injuries have given Boston's depth players:
