Boston survived in dramatic fashion.
The Boston Celtics defeated the Miami Heat 104-103스포츠토토 in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2023 NBA Playoffs on Monday (Feb. 28) at the Amway Center in Miami.
Game 6 was a make-or-break affair. After leading for most of the game, Boston built a double-digit lead midway through the fourth quarter and appeared to be on their way to a relatively easy victory, but Miami fought back. Jimmy Butler exploded in the fourth quarter to give Miami the lead for good.
With their hopes still alive at 0-3, Boston faced a potentially season-ending crisis. Down by one, Boston’s final possession began with 3.0 seconds left in regulation. Marcus Smart, who hadn’t shot badly on the night, took a three-pointer, but the ball bounced off the rim inexplicably.
But the goddess of victory did not turn her back on Boston, as Derrick White stayed in the game to the end. After an inbounds pass to Smart, White drove to the rim and, despite his short stature, grabbed the rebound and scored on a putback at the buzzer. Video review allowed the shot to stand, giving Boston a one-point, dramatic victory.
“I wasn’t sure it was going to count because it was so close,” said White of the theater-winning shot. There was no one there, the ball came to me, and I took the shot. We had to get through that, and we did,” White reflected.
For Miami, the loss of White hurt because they were focused on defending their ace, Jayson Tatum. They chose the most efficient defense, but it didn’t pay off.
Coach Erik Spoelstra said of Max Struth’s final play on White: “He made the right play. We took Tatum out of the picture and forced him to get the ball. Tatum getting the ball and trying to shoot was their best offense. I have no regrets about that last shot.”
The morale of the Boston squad is high after the comeback. “Derrick White came out like a lightning bolt and saved us,” said Jaylen Brown. “It feels like we’ve been to hell and back. This win gives us a lot of confidence moving forward.”
No team in NBA history has ever won a series after starting with three straight losses. However, with the Game 6 win, the momentum has completely shifted in Boston’s favor. Game 7 between the two teams is already generating a lot of interest, with ticket prices skyrocketing.
Can the Celtics come back from the depths of hell to take Game 7? All eyes will be on the outcome of Game 7 on the 30th.