Derrick White’s dramatic last-second putback edged the Boston Celtics closer to what could potentially be the most remarkable comeback in the history of NBA playoffs. The Celtics resisted the Miami Heat, achieving a narrow 104-103 victory on Saturday night, leading to the anticipated Game 7 in the Eastern Conference finals.
Impressive performances were delivered by Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Marcus Smart, who scored 31, 26, and 21 points, respectively. This bolstered the Celtics to become only the fourth NBA team to return from a 3-0 deficit in a best-of-seven series, leading to a decisive game. This rare feat was previously accomplished by the 1951 New York Knicks in the NBA Finals, the 1994 Denver Nuggets in the second round, and the 2003 Portland Trail Blazers in the first round. However, all these teams faced defeat in Game 7, all away games.
The Celtics have a unique opportunity to rewrite history as they return to their home court for the all-important Game 7. Set for Monday night on the Celtics’ court, this match will determine who will challenge the Western Conference champions, the Denver Nuggets, in the championship series starting Thursday.
The Heat secured A brief lead when Jimmy Butler made three free throws with just 3.0 seconds remaining. However, despite Smart missing a 3-pointer, White secured the rebound and scored in a turn of events, swinging the game in the Celtics’ favor as time ran out.
Butler and Caleb Martin were the top performers for the Heat, scoring 24 and 21 points, respectively. The Heat are endeavoring to create their own exceptional story by aiming to become only the second No. 8 seed to reach the NBA Finals. However, this week has seen them suffer three losses – as many as they experienced in their first 14 playoff games this spring, during which they defeated No. 1 Milwaukee and No. 5 New York and gained what appeared to be an unbeatable 3-0 lead over the second-seeded Celtics.
The Celtics have notched wins in five out of their last six East finals games in Miami, including a pivotal Game 7 victory over the Heat last season to secure their place in the NBA Finals. Despite this, the Heat retain a fighting chance this time around.
This instance marks the 151st time a team has taken a 3-0 lead in a best-of-seven series, with all previous 150 teams managing to clinch the series. The Celtics, however, are showing that they are far from conceding.
Another noteworthy achievement is the Celtics’ 5-0 record when faced with elimination this season, which includes three away victories. They overturned a 3-2 lead against Philadelphia in the East finals and have now leveled this series.
Game 7 has a unique history for both teams. The Celtics have an impressive 27-9 record in Game 7s and have won their last four, including one against Miami last season and one earlier this season versus Philadelphia in the East semifinals. In contrast, the Heat holds a 6-5 record in Game 7s but have lost their last two, including one away game. As these two teams gear up to face each other, it’s clear that history is at stake,
