Even if the Celtics don’t end up completing their comeback from a 3-0 deficit in the Eastern Conference Finals, they can put the Heat in an unprecedented position by winning Game 6 on Saturday, writes Law Murray of The Athletic.
As Murray details, of the 150 NBA teams to fall behind by a 3-0 margin in a best-of-seven playoff series, only three forced a Game 7, and all three of those clubs had to play Game 7 on the road. If the Celtics can win Game 6 tonight in Miami, they’ll head back to Boston for Game 7 and become the first team in league history to attempt to win a series at home after losing the first three games.
[RELATED: Poll: Will Celtics Complete Eastern Finals Comeback?]
The Heat have shown an ability to win playoff games away from home, writes Joe Vardon of The Athletic, noting that Jimmy Butler scored 47 points to lead Miami to a victory in Boston in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals a year ago. Still, Butler and the Heat face significant pressure to finish off the series on Saturday to avoid having to go back on the road to win a Game 7.
Here’s more on the Heat and Celtics:
- Despite losses in Games 4 and 5, Butler remains optimistic about the Heat’s ability to finish off the Celtics and earn a spot in the NBA Finals, as Nick Friedell of ESPN.com writes. “Because the last two games are not who we are,” Butler said after Thursday’s loss when asked why he’s still so confident. “It just happened to be that way. We stopped playing defense halfway because we didn’t make shots that we want to make. But that’s easily correctable. You just have to come out and play harder from the jump. Like I always say, it’s going to be all smiles, and we are going to keep it very, very, very consistent, knowing that we are going to win next game.”
- Celtics guard Malcolm Brogdon, who left Game 5 in the second half due to what was referred to at the time as right forearm soreness, is listed as questionable to play in Game 6 with a forearm strain. The banged-up veteran is already reportedly playing through a partially torn tendon in his right elbow.
- Like Brogdon, Heat point guard Gabe Vincent is considered questionable to play on Saturday, tweets Tim Reynolds of The Associated Press. Vincent missed Game 5 due to a left ankle sprain, forcing Kyle Lowry to reenter the starting lineup for the first time in this postseason. Lowry was effective in the first two rounds but has struggled against the Celtics, averaging just 4.3 points and 4.0 assists per game on 29.2% shooting in the last four games.
- Celtics guard Derrick White helped lift Boston to a Game 5 win with 24 points on 8-of-11 shooting (including 6-of-8 three-pointers). Jared Weiss of The Athletic takes a look at how White’s career night was rooted in a message from his father, and passes along several quotes from White’s teammates that reflect their appreciation for him.
Celtics lose tonight. They need at least a semi-healthy Brogdon and that isn’t happening.
They don’t need Malcolm Brogden if Derrick White plays up to his abilities and shines. I don’t think the last game was a one hit wonder because watching him last year showed he was fantastic after the Celtics acquired him.
It all depends if Gabe Vincent plays. If Derrick White, who had been bad offensively in the series, gets see Kyle Lowry on the floor again ….. He could go off.
I also don’t think the Celtics ever counted on Malcolm Brogdon in much the same way the heat never counted on Victor oladipo. Both guys are always dinged up and on the sidelines. If they give you something it’s a bonus.
It’s interesting that Brogden played 67 games this year, which is the most since his rookie year, as in the case of Oladipo, you always know in the back of your mind he’s going to go down at some point.
Side note, I do of course admire these guys who suit up and stay on the floor. Major Kudos in that regard.
NBA 6th Man of the Year Brogdon was wonderful for the Celtics this year and played a lot of the season, taking just a few personal days off, games we looked bad. Malcolm Brogdon takes over the scoring duties of the 2nd unit and scores at will, on drives or threes. We’ll really miss him big time, his scoring, his easy baskets, but this is what our improved depth was built for. Payton Pritchard may be able to score like Brogdon if we let him run the 2nd team. Just get him a few shots. Call plays for Payton Pritchard & see if he can get hot. he can take some pressure off Tatum & Brown. Go Celtics!
I knew would lose Brogdon in the playoffs. Maybe Pritchard of Hauser will sign.
Umm..ok.
Boston need this more than they realise…
For too many years the team hasn’t lived up to the hype…
Sure Stevens could look for a new coach outside of Udokas tree to fix the culture… But there’s something just not right with Bostons recipe…
It’s just hoops bro. No telling what any of these people “need”
Fans just make the “winning it all” stuff far more important than it is. If these guys lose their bummed for two days then chill for a few months.
I”m been slow to wake up to Coach Mazzulla. But he’s brought us this far. Gotta give him credit. Go Celtics!
You’re exactly right. Some Sheila on the couch at home “realizes” how “bad” Boston needs this more than the team itself does. Brilliant
Also, witch years haven’t they “lived up to the hype?” And whose hype, yours?
Finally, Udoka doesn’t have a tree. He’s coached 1 year. One
Putz
No one beats this Celtic inter-galactic team. Think about it, Smart, White, TimeLord, Granite, et Al, they’re from unknown planets.
Brogdon is a highly skilled player who has the mental makeup (he’s smart) to play at less than 100%. But, like with most of his contemporaries, he’s feeble at it, likely because its not something he’s ever really done, at least during the regular season. Time for him to be honest with himself and his team, and sit.
Like I said, Celtics can’t beat Miami fair and square. They got to the line way too much compared to the Heat who were the ones playing inside most the game. But A. Silver ain’t going to allow one of his favorite teams get swept. He wants 7. Ratings are suffering. He needs a fix
The great thing about these schitzo takes is that the pot never runs dry
You said a week ago Silver was (staging) lakers v Celtics
Lakers take a dump no prob just move along to the next , I bet your 100% right 10% of the time tho…keep plugging
It says a lot about someone when their response to a loss is to blame “the refs” or even better, “the commissioner”, and not the players or the team.
Can’t say I’m surprised. The good news is that as children mature they do learn about things like accountability, and they become less dependent on acting out for attention. Summer vacation will begin soon, I think it will be good for Kurtis.
It says a lot about someone when they want to make a bet and then not pay it when they lose.
Where’s my money?
Post literally any proof of this “bet” and I’ll pay you.
I’ll wait.
And that comment even says more about you!
Wheres my money?
Yikes
Where’s my money?
Yea, no, I never said Lakers were going anywhere. In fact they went further than any comment I made about them.
Obviously you’re confused. Nice try though