In what is definitely the most difficult article I have had to write, I must admit defeat, as all Celtics futures have officially been burned to $0. After a valiant comeback effort from down 0-3, the C’s laid an egg in Game 7 and will be watching the NBA Finals from home. Instead of cashing in prior to game 7 at a $333 valuation, I leave with nothing as Boston could not get the job done.
Momentum Was on Their Side
With all of the momentum on their side, the Garden was buzzing on Monday Night, fully anticipating an ’04 Red Sox like come back and a second straight NBA finals appearance. However, on the first play of the game, Jayson Tatum twisted an ankle, and the entire night went off the rails.
No-Show For Boston's Super-Stars
Tatum was immobile on the court, unable to play defense or make layups. With the perfect opportunity to step up and play superstar in front of him, Jaylen Brown completely forgot how to dribble and made fans everywhere question whether he is worth the supermax contract that he just became eligible for. Not a single guy on the Celtics rode to the occasion other than Derrick White, and it was not enough to compete with a Heat team who is far superior when it comes to mental toughness and grit.
Himmy Butler
Spoelstra had his troops ready, and Jimmy Butler did exactly what was required to win on the road in a hostile environment, clearly establishing himself as HIM. Prior to the game, I wrote confidently about riding the Celtics future all the way, and getting out of the Heat bet while you could. I have been wrong before, and will be wrong again, but it is almost difficult to be as wrong as I was about Monday Night.
Another Season Lost
Boston came out totally flat, which is incomprehensible to happen in a Game 7 on your home court. Their 3-point shots were not falling, and their response to that was to keep chucking them up. With Tatum hobbled, Brown needed to step up and he was a complete liability on both ends of the court. Malcolm Brogdon was hurt as well, and Rob Williams was sick during the game, but there will be absolutely no sympathy from Heat fans, nor should there be.
Miami won this series without its second leading scorer, Tyler Herro, and won 3 games in Boston in order to get it done. Jimmy himself had been hobbled after an ankle injury in Round 2, but he toughed it out in a way unbeknownst to JT. For Boston, they seem to be at a cross-roads, as they fall short of the ultimate goal yet again. For a team that has been a consistent contender, it is hard to believe they have just one NBA title since 1986.
Can Miami Get it Done?
Miami on the other hand will look to add to its trophy case, and will go up against Jokic and the Nuggets in another series that no one will be picking them in. At this point, I won’t be surprised by anything they do in this series, and see them as a live dog at 3/1.