NBA Highlights - NBA Playoffs 2023 - Heat VS Celtics
Box Score
Team | Field Goals | 3-Point FGs | Free Throws | Personal Fouls | Total Rebounds | Offensive Rebounds | Turn overs | Points Off Turnovers | Fast Break Points | Points in the Paints |
MIA | 42/86 48.8% | 14/28 50.0% | 5/6 83.3% | 15 | 42 | 7 | 12 | 19 | 17 | 38 |
BOS | 32/82 39.0% | 9/42 21.4% | 11/13 84.6% | 13 | 40 | 10 | 15 | 21 | 8 | 42 |
#22 Jimmy Butler 28 Pts, 6 Ast, 7 Reb
#16 Caleb Martin 26 Pts, 3Ast, 10 Reb
Game Highlights
Game Report
Heat crush Celtics' comeback hopes with dominant Game 7 victory, securing a spot in the NBA Finals.
In an attempt to replicate the legendary comeback of the Boston Red Sox, who famously overcame a 3-0 deficit against the New York Yankees in the 2004 American League Championship Series on their way to winning the World Series, the Boston Celtics employed various strategies. The TD Garden video board played Red Sox interviews, highlights, and featured the rallying cry of "Why not us?" throughout Game 7 of the Eastern Conference finals. Celtics Coach Joe Mazzulla revealed that his team had even watched the documentary "Four Days in October" after falling behind 3-0 against the Miami Heat. The Celtics managed to win three consecutive games, creating an atmosphere of anticipation for the decisive matchup, as both teams recognized the opportunity to secure a spot in the NBA Finals and potentially etch their names in history.
Despite the Boston Celtics' efforts, the Miami Heat dashed their hopes and silenced their fans with a resounding 103-84 victory in Game 7 became the main NBA Highlights of this game. This win propelled the Heat to their sixth Finals appearance under the guidance of Coach Erik Spoelstra. The outcome also reinforced NBA history, as teams that have secured a 3-0 series lead now boast an unbeaten record of 151-0 in best-of-seven playoff series. As a result, the Denver Nuggets, led by Nikola Jokic, will welcome the Heat to Ball Arena for Game 1 of the Finals on Thursday night.
Spoelstra praised his team, describing them as an extraordinary collection of individuals. He likened them to the "men in the arena" who have endured physical exertion, perseverance, and adversity. Spoelstra believes that many can empathize with this team because they understand that sometimes sacrifices and hardships are necessary to achieve one's deepest desires.
The dynamic duo of Jimmy Butler and undrafted forward Caleb Martin proved to be too much for the Boston Celtics, who struggled with their shooting throughout the game. The Celtics couldn't muster the necessary energy after their thrilling last-second victory in Game 6. Butler, displaying his brilliance, contributed 28 points, seven rebounds, and six assists. He extended Miami's lead early in the fourth quarter, effectively sealing the game's outcome. Martin, making his second start of the series, provided significant support with 26 points and four successful three-pointers. His stellar performance kept Boston at bay during their attempted third-quarter comeback.
Despite being 33 years old, Butler, who previously led the Heat to the 2020 NBA Finals, remains determined to capture his first championship. In recognition of his exceptional performance in the Eastern Conference finals, he was rightfully named the series MVP.
Expressing his unwavering confidence, Butler emphasized his belief in both himself and his teammates. He highlighted the unity and resilience they displayed throughout the series. Together, they set their sights on securing a challenging victory away from home, which they successfully accomplished. However, Butler made it clear that they are not content with their current achievement. While they are excited and happy about the win, their ultimate goal requires four more victories.
Miami aims to make history as the first No. 8 seed to clinch an NBA championship. During their impressive 12-6 journey through the Eastern Conference playoffs, they eliminated the top-seeded Milwaukee Bucks, the fifth-seeded New York Knicks, and the second-seeded Boston Celtics.
The Boston crowd anticipated a festive Memorial Day celebration. However, the game began with an unsettling moment as Jayson Tatum fell to the floor, clutching his left ankle on the opening possession. Despite the pain, the talented forward persevered, but the Celtics struggled to keep up with the pace throughout the first quarter.
In the initial period, the Boston Celtics endured a rough start, failing to convert any of their ten three-point attempts. As a result, they struggled to find their offensive rhythm, scoring a mere 15 points, which happened to be their lowest-scoring quarter of the entire series. It appeared that both teams began the game with a sense of heaviness, seemingly affected by the lingering emotions from Derrick White's dramatic game-winning shot on Saturday.
The pregame excitement, fueled by appearances from former Celtics stars Paul Pierce, Rajon Rondo, and Isaiah Thomas, gradually faded into concerned whispers and occasional boos as the Miami Heat surged ahead by double digits early in the second quarter. The Celtics struggled from beyond the arc, missing their first 12 three-point attempts before Al Horford finally ended the drought two minutes into the second quarter. Boston's shooting woes continued, as they went 4 for 21 from deep in the first half. In contrast, fueled by the performances of Butler and Martin, the Heat built a solid 52-41 lead by halftime.
During the third quarter, Boston made a push as Derrick White scored eight consecutive points, trimming Miami's lead to eight. However, Martin consistently delivered crucial baskets, eluding the Celtics' defense and shooting an impressive 11 for 16 from the field.
Miami quickly extinguished any hope of a Boston comeback by starting the fourth quarter with a 7-0 run. Frustrated boos echoed through the arena as Jaylen Brown missed a jumper and committed a turnover. With two minutes remaining, Coach Mazzulla substituted his starters, even though the once-electric building was already half-empty.
Tatum had a subdued performance, tallying 14 points on 5-of-13 shooting, while Brown led the team with 19 points, albeit on 8-of-23 shooting. Boston, a team heavily reliant on three-point shooting throughout the season, struggled from beyond the arc, finishing a disappointing 9 for 42 (21.4 percent). Their total of 84 points marked their lowest scoring output of the entire postseason.
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