4 things to look out for as Celtics and Heat set to make NBA history in game 7
In the most dramatic of circumstances, the Boston Celtics have forced a game seven showdown against the Miami Heat with last-second heroics from Derrick White to win game six of the Eastern Conference playoffs.
With the series now tied at 3-3, both teams are poised to make history as they strive for a spot in the NBA Finals.
With only a fraction of a second left on the clock, in a must-win game for the Celtics, Derrick White’s fast sprint from the inbound spot resulted in a jaw-dropping lay-in off Marcus Smart’s missed three-pointer, securing a thrilling one-point victory for the Celtics.
Celtics defy odds, on brink of immortality
Game seven presents an opportunity for the Boston Celtics to make history by overcoming a 3-0 deficit, a feat that has never been achieved by any of the 150 teams in the history of the best-of-seven series. If they can defeat the Miami Heat, it will mark their second consecutive appearance in the NBA Finals.
In the previous Eastern Conference semifinal round, the Boston Celtics also faced a game seven against the Philadelphia 76ers, and Jayson Tatum delivered an exceptional performance, setting an NBA game seven record by scoring 51 points and leading his team to victory at TD Garden. It is worth mentioning that Tatum has an impressive track record in seventh games, having won five out of six games throughout his career. His only loss came against LeBron James’ Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2018 Eastern Conference Finals.
Heat’s rise from underdogs to dominant force
On the opposing side, the Miami Heat find themselves on the verge of scripting a historic milestone of their own as the first eighth seed to reach the NBA Finals.
Their stunning playoff journey commenced in the play-in tournament, where they suffered an initial setback against the Atlanta Hawks. However, a fourth-quarter comeback against the Chicago Bulls in the play-in tournament secured the Heat’s position as the eighth seed. This underdog status ignites their determination to defy expectations and achieve the unthinkable.
Leading the charge for the Miami Heat, Jimmy Butler is renowned for his playoff heroics and ability to thrive under pressure. Despite three consecutive losses, Butler displays confidence in his team’s ability to win the series and reach the finals, embracing the responsibility to elevate his performance and inspire his teammates.
Passionate Boston fans could prove decisive for Celtics
Game seven promises to be an intense battle, set to take place in the electric TD Garden in Boston.
The Celtics hold the advantage, having emerged victorious in the last three home games against the Heat, and they will be playing in front of their passionate fans who are renowned for their unwavering support.
The thunderous roar of the crowd could provide the Celtics with a psychological edge as they strive for victory.
Denver Nuggets and Nikola Jokic await in finals
While the Celtics and Heat strive to secure their tickets to the NBA Finals, the Denver Nuggets, victorious in the Western Conference, eagerly await their opponent.
This season, the Nuggets embarked on a historic journey, reaching their first-ever appearance in the finals. Led by the exceptional Nikola Jokic, the reigning Western Conference MVP, or Most-Valuable Player, and a two-time NBA regular-season MVP, the Nuggets have showcased dominance in the Western Conference Finals, sweeping LeBron James’ Los Angeles Lakers.
Jokic’s incredible performance this past season includes a record-breaking eight triple-doubles, surpassing the longstanding record set by the legendary Wilt Chamberlain. With his sights set on claiming his first NBA championship, Jokic’s focus is unwavering.
Game seven, the two most thrilling words in the sport, is set to make history in the Boston TD Garden, regardless of the outcome, whether it is a victory for the Boston Celtics or the Miami Heat.
