The last time LeBron James crossed paths with the Celtics in the NBA playoffs, Boston was left both heartbroken and optimistic looking ahead.
Tossing rookie Jayson Tatum and second-year Jaylen Brown into the postseason spotlight against James, an all-time pillar, during the 2018 Eastern Conference finals set the bar. No longer was Boston viewed as the feel-good underdog with minimal expectations. Without then-veteran leaders...