ECF News: Celtics force Game 7 after beating Heat 104-103

The Miami Heat suffered a narrow 104-103 defeat at the hands of the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference finals on Saturday night. Celtics guard Derrick White clinched the victory for his team with a buzzer-beater tip in under the rim, putting Boston into a historic playoff comeback as they were down 3-0 in the series.

The best-of-seven series between both teams now stands at an even 3-3. All eyes are now on the highly anticipated Game 7, scheduled for Monday at 8:30 p.m. at TD Garden in Boston.

Boston Celtics

2023-05-28 12:02

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White’s clutch and Celtics’ comeback

White’s successful clutch shot has drawn high praise from teammate and star shooting guard Jaylen Brown, who likened his impact to a “sudden flash of lightning.”

“Derrick White, like a flash of lightning, just came out of nowhere and saved the day, man,” Brown said. “An incredible play.”

White himself was fully aware of the shot’s success, as his shot sparked elation in Boston while leaving Miami devastated.

“Ball came to me,” he said. “I made the shot.”

White’s game-winning moment has made him the second player in NBA history to successfully pull off a buzzer-beater while his team was at a disadvantage. The first player before him was Michael Jordan and his renowned “The Shot” in the match of Chicago vs. Cleveland in 1989.

“I was just happy,” White said. “Season was on the line. We don’t want to go home.”

The Celtics’ Game 6 victory was also fueled by stellar performances from Jayson Tatum, who contributed 31 points, Brown with 26 points, and Marcus Smart with 21 points.

Boston has also overcome a 3-0 deficit as they now tie the series 3-3, making them the fourth team in NBA history to do so. Teams that previously achieved this includes the 1951 New York Knicks, the 1994 Denver Nuggets, and the 2003 Portland Trail Blazers.

The Celtics now have the advantage of playing at home as they strive to ink their names in history. The winner of Game 7 will face the Western Conference champion Denver Nuggets in the NBA Finals.

Miami determined not to repeat last year’s defeat

Heat coach Erik Spoelstra reflected on White’s decisive offensive rebound and his last second shot.

“That thing just bounced a different way,” Spoelstra said. “That’s the only place it could have bounced to hurt us. I thought we had a lot of things covered on that play and sometimes things just don’t break your way.”

The Heat are in another winner-take-all situation. This time, the stakes are higher as they risk missing the NBA Finals. They are also facing the possibility of being the first team to lose a best-of-seven playoff series after leading 3-0 in the series.

Previously, the Heat lost Game 7 to the Celtics in the 2022 Eastern Conference finals. Star forward Jimmy Butler was determined not to repeat the same defeat this year.

“You’re going to get the same tests until you pass it,” Butler said. “We were in the same position last year. We will do it. I know we’re going to do it.”

Spoelstra also sang the same tune as Butler.

“Look, this is the way this season has been,” the 52-year-old coach said. “This is one hell of a series. At this time right now, I don’t know how we are going to get this done, but we are going up there and get it done. And that’s what the next 48 hours is about.”

Spoelstra acknowledged that Miami had faced numerous challenges throughout the season. As a result, they “have to do it the hard way.” He further expressed his faith in his team as they prepare for Monday’s upcoming final match against the Celtics.