Celtics Ready for Game 7 on Their Home Floor: 'It means everything; The best atmosphere in the NBA'

The Celtics and Bucks' second-round slugfest comes down to a winner take all game Boston's grateful to have on their home court.

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When the Celtics decided not to rest players at the end of the season, the driving factors were to keep playing their best basketball and continue establishing a culture that's instilled a mentality they'll embrace the challenge of taking on any opponent under any circumstance.

That choice, combined with the Bucks taking the opposite approach, a justifiable decision by the defending NBA champions, who aren't afraid of a Game 7 in someone else's building, paved the way for Sunday's winner take all matchup taking place on the TD Garden parquet.

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Following his 46-point performance that included scoring 28 points in the second half, 16 of which came in the fourth quarter, Jayson Tatum said of having Game 7 back in Boston: "It means everything. The best atmosphere in the NBA. And Game 7's are the biggest and best games," adding, "this is it, it's do-or-die. And you know, this is going to be fun."

Jaylen Brown, who produced 22 points, five rebounds, and four assists, stated: "It's kill or be killed. Survival of the fittest. We don't feel like we're the team that should go home."

Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

As for Brown's expectations for Game 7 at TD Garden: "I expect it to be loud, I expect it to be fun, and I expect to be part of a great game. Best two words in basketball 'Game 7.'"

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Marcus Smart, who scored 21 points, had a game-high seven assists, and did well defending Giannis Antetokounmpo for stretches of Friday's win, expressed about Game 7 being in Boston: "It's going to be loud. It means a lot. I just know that being on the road in Boston for a Game 7, that's not a place you want to be."

Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Celtics' head coach Ime Udoka said when it comes to a Game 7, "it's not about the plays, it's about the players," adding, "the Garden's going to be rocking."

Further Reading

[Report] After Optimism Earlier this Week, there's 'Pessimism' Khris Middleton Plays in Game 7

Celtics Discuss Jayson Tatum's 46-Point Performance in Game 6: 'He went into another mode'

What Stood Out from the Celtics' Win in Game 6 vs. Bucks: Jayson Tatum Scores 46, Leads Boston to Game 7 at Home

What Stood Out from Game 5: Bucks Rally, Hand Celtics Crushing Loss, Putting Boston on Brink of Elimination

[Film Room] What Led to Jayson Tatum's Struggles in Game 3 and How the Celtics Get Him Going in Game 4

One-on-One with Cameron Look on His Improbable Journey to Designing Jayson Tatum's Jordans