Tonight is a crucial game for the Boston Celtics – their playoff hopes may hinge on it! In a highly competitive Eastern Conference, their chances for making the postseason are thinned out further by other clubs who compete hard. Watch live stream, TV channel, and score information before tonight’s broadcast of this epic battle for glory!
This game presents an essential test for the Celtics’ young core. They must find a way to overcome their challenges on their quest for championship glory.
Game 1
After an up-and-down series against the Philadelphia 76ers, the Celtics look forward to Game 2 of their Eastern Conference Finals matchup against the Miami Heat at 8:30 p.m. Friday at TD Garden. While finding their rhythm seems beyond this Celtics team sometimes, when things click, they can be as effective as anyone in the league – only when complacentness sets in do things unravel quickly.
Jayson Tatum stood out during Boston’s first half as they shot 7/10 from the field, leaving Philadelphia struggling to come up with an answer against their star guard, particularly without Joel Embiid.
The Boston Celtics have become one of the most successful teams in NBA history since their founding in 1946, winning 17 championships, 10 conference titles, 33 division titles, 45 Hall-of-Famer inductees into its Hall of Fame, and retiring 22 numbers – more than any other NBA team has done so! Bill Russell holds more wins with Boston than anyone ever wearing their jersey!
Game 2
After their stunning Game 1 upset victory, the Celtics and Heat are back on the court tonight for Game 2 of their best-of-seven series in Boston. Boston will have an excellent chance to even the score before moving on to Miami for Games 3 and 4.
Boston finished their regular season as sixth in three-point shooting but have struggled mightily to connect from behind in this playoff run, leading to some devastating blowout losses and uncharacteristically poor shooting from three against Miami Heat, an eighth-seeded opponent.
Marcus Smart, Jaylen Brown, and Tatum of the Celtics combined for only 36 percent shooting from the field during Game 2 against the defending NBA champion Miami Heat. That unit proved especially detrimental during the first half as Miami outscored them 46-25. Joe Mazzulla decided to change things up with their starting lineup by inserting Derrick White instead of Grant Williams for second-half action.
Joel Embiid returned to the Sixers lineup in Game 2, yet has failed to show any sign of being worthy of winning an MVP award. Instead, he is being punched in the paint by Boston’s physicality while struggling to defend his teammates.
Game 3
After the Boston Celtics blew an 11-point fourth-quarter lead against the Miami Heat at Causeway Friday, I received numerous messages and posts online lamenting their implosion – with most acknowledging they may not entirely bear responsibility.
As it stands, the Boston Celtics don’t appear to have much leeway regarding how they should proceed in this series; after trailing 2-0, they head into game three at home, where no NBA team has ever won after trailing by that much.
If the Celtics want any shot at making it to the Finals, they need better performances from Jaylen Brown and other key players if they hope to make a run. There is still talent on this roster; with some strong outings from big men such as KCP or Tatum providing consistent production, they could force Game 5 back home – otherwise, their season will likely end prematurely, and that would be a massive letdown for this team, and its fans alike.
Game 4
After suffering an emphatic defeat at the hands of Miami in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals, many observers wondered whether Boston had any hope of overturning a 3-0 series deficit. Yet Boston managed to turn things around, winning two elimination games to force Game 7 and establish themselves as contenders to make history.
Boston opened up a significant lead in the third quarter thanks to an extraordinary 18-0 run that saw them go 6-for-7 from 3-point range and score nine points, quickly overturning an earlier deficit of nine. Tatum led this comeback effort as they eliminated it within just three minutes and 40 seconds!
Vincent had committed several turnovers and missed a 3-pointer, allowing the Heat to close within seven. But Tatum eventually got going with an emphatic layup finish to give Boston some breathing room.
The Boston Celtics are one of the most legendary franchises in NBA history, having captured 17 championships since being established in 1946. Home to such notable players as Bill Russell and Red Auerbach throughout their history, their home court is located at TD Garden in Boston, an in-town arena that has seen some of basketball’s most remarkable moments unfold there.
Game 5
The Celtics remain hopeful they can pull off an unlikely feat and force Game 7 after trailing 3-0 in their best-of-seven playoff series – but success won’t come quickly.
Boston started this contest quickly, leading by 15 at the end of the first quarter, with Jaylen Brown scoring 12 and Derrick White sinking seven 3-pointers.
Boston started their team effort by having four players reach 20-point territory – led by Marcus Smart’s career-best 24 points and six threes – while Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown each finished with 21.
Lowry averaged 15.3 points during the regular season but has yet to score in this series, which Miami must rectify if they hope to progress further in this contest.
Game 6
The last time the Celtics visited the Kaseya Center, they were staring down an irreparable defeat and appeared defeated. Now they return with renewed hope on Saturday (8:30 ET, TNT), one victory away from making the history of the NBA. Joe Mazzulla seems to have his team playing its best two-way basketball when it matters most; Jimmy Butler helps contribute as an experienced big-game player unafraid of taking charge in big situations.
Since returning from injury, Ben Simmons has been impressive, leading the Sixers to an early lead in Game 6. Without Malcolm Brogdon and his elbow issue affecting their ball-handlers, Philly should struggle with efficiency tonight. I’d expect them to work even further tonight; therefore, I lean toward going over tonight. Teams leading 3-0 in a playoff series tend to go on and win all five games 61% of the time, while 29% go all five. That doesn’t mean the Celtics are doomed; instead, they must play near-perfect basketball to have any hope of turning things around, needing offensive rebounds, contesting threes at higher rates, and contesting threes more often.
Game 7
After Boston won two blowout victories, the series heads back to Miami for an all-or-nothing Game 7. Boston hopes to become the first team ever in NBA playoff history to return from a 3-0 deficit and force Game 7. Derrick White’s buzzer-beater in Game 6 was decisive and forced another team meeting – moving this series into another round.
Jayson Tatum led the Celtics to an early 25-7 lead when he scored 11 points during the opening quarter, helping propel them ahead against Giannis Antetokounmpo (31 points and 13 rebounds). Furthermore, they hit many threes late in the game, putting it out of reach for anyone trying to close in on them.
Although the Celtics played well on offense, their defense let them down against the Sixers. Isaiah Thomas and Kyrie Irving combined for only 28 points, while Jaylen Brown and Marcus Smart each shot below 50% from the field.
The Celtics will likely keep Grant Williams in their starting lineup for Game 7. Williams has been a fan favorite and analytics darling all season, helping block off lanes and contribute a double-double performance in Game 6. He’ll join Al Horford, Marcus Smart, and Jayson Tatum in starting lineup.
