PREVIEW: Celtics vs Heat

The series is going back to Boston as the series is currently 3-1 for Miami

Recap

This NBA series was thought to be done when the Heat took game 3 after winning the first 2 games in Boston. Many believed it was the end for the Celtics as Jimmy Butler and his team never seemed so in sync. As the Celtics secured game 4, they now have a chance to cut the lead by only 1 game before heading back to Miami for game 6.

That of course would mean for Joe Mazzula and his team to work a new system and find plays that could battle their opponents. Being a top defensive team last year under Ime Udoka, as opposed to this season where they have switched to large volume 3 shooting plays.

The major reason why the Celtics are struggling this post season is largely due to the fact that the team cannot find an answer towards teams with great offensive flows. It was seen in the 1st round against the Hawks, losing two games to the 7th seed. And going 7 games against the Sixers, who are arguably one of the worst teams in the playoffs this year. Now down 3-1, it is clear they did not have a clear vision of the series.

The Heat can thank their coach and team culture for what they have accomplished in the playoffs. Erik Spoelstra has once again shown that simple plays can win you games. Always finding the open man while having a star player in Jimmy Butler to bring you out of tough situations. Butler was a key player in the 1st round, beating the bucks in 5 games. In the 2nd round they were met by a Knicks team in a similar situation than them, and a similar team overall. When reaching the conference finals, their odds of them making it out of the east were merely 3%. Nobody expected them to win two games away, a comfortable position to find yourself in.

Can the Celtics Comeback?

The Celtics have started their possible comeback on a strong note, winning a game on the road. Now headed back at home, they are the heavy favorites to win tonight and cut the lead to just 1 game. If they take game 5 tonight, they will have to face another away game in Miami, where the Heat will do anything to end the series and reach the finals.

Of course there is a whole narrative around a 3-0 comeback, a feat never achieved before in NBA history. If there were a team and scenario where this happens, it would be here, where the second seeded team faces the last seed. The Celtics have home court advantage, giving them more edge on the comeback, but that means no losing for the next 3 games, a difficult task against one of the highest offensive teams in the playoffs.

Additionally, that would also mean that the series would extend, meaning more TV time and games before the finals. Prior to game 4, many expected it to be done with the Heat facing the Nuggets in over a week from now. We will have to see what comes after tonight.

The Nuggets Mountain

Regardless of who wins the series, they will be tasked with their hardest opponents yet at the top of the mountain, the giant Denver Nuggets. Winning the conference finals in 4 games, the Lakers were met with nothing but destruction, coming close to a win or a tie on 2 occasions, the Nuggets managed to seal the deal every single time. After the game, LeBron gave his insight in game 4's post game interview, mentioning that he needed time to think, he might retire, he might stay, no one knows for now. But more importantly, LeBron said the Nuggets were the toughest opponents they have faced so far. That's right, the best player in the league for the past 20 years and leader of a team many expected to make the finals after the first 2 rounds said the Jokic led Nuggets were the toughest.

Just to put into perspective, the Nuggets overcame adversity in both the regular and postseason, even though they were 1st in the west. People were surprised that they managed to beat the Suns with KD and Devin Booker, and even more so after beating the Lakers in the conference finals. There is not much more to say other than the Nuggets will be one of the toughest matchups for any team to reach the finals, possibly in playoff history.