It all comes down to Game 7 on Sunday night for the Boston Celtics. After jumping ahead to a 3-2 series lead, momentum was on the side of the C’s going into Friday’s bout.
Boston returned home to attempt to punch their ticket to the NBA Finals. Unfortunately, they were unable to do so.
A slow start in the first quarter saw Miami spring ahead to a 29-22 advantage, but the shamrocks would claw their way back. Heading into the half, the C’s managed to make it just a two-point game.
Jayson Tatum was on the money from the field all game long as was Derrick White. As the game progressed, the Celtics finally took the lead on a Derrick White triple with under five minutes to play. That would not last long as fouls, bad officiating, and the porous offense was the demise of the shamrocks.
Jimmy Butler took over Game 6 from the start as he finished with 47 points including four made 3-pointers.
One of the glaring issues in the loss, was Jayson Tatum only attempting one shot in the fourth quarter. Tatum was 9-of-12 shooting from the floor, while White was 7-of-14 shooting with 22 points.
Game 7 in Miami will certainly be the toughest challenge yet. The good news for Boston is, they have yet to lose two games in a row this postseason. Jayson Tatum seems to go full takeover in games after a loss as well.
The injury report for the Boston Celtics has Marcus Smart and Robert Williams III listed as game-time decisions as they continue to battle ankle and knee ailments, respectively.
Tyler Herro, who missed Game 5 and Game 6, is also listed as a game-time decision. Kyle Lowry, Max Strus, P.J. Tucker, and Gabe Vincent are also all GTDs, but they all played in Game 6.
In order to keep their season alive and win Game 7 on the road, the C’s must hone in on these 3 keys.