I'm totally frustrated and disappointed with the Celtics as everyone is. However, let's look at the other side of things. The Heat have steamrolled the Bucks, the Knicks, and now are doing the same to us. What the heck are they doing right with such a limited set of talent? Is there something there that we can use for own success?
They have an actual Head Coach-running plays, while we're running around like a chicken with it's head cut off.
Does that also explain them steamrolling the Bucks and the Knicks? There's something deeper into what Spoelstra is doing with that roster to explain their run.
I believe you're overthinking this.
The Bucks are getting old and have been slowly leaving their top spot in the East. Add to that the injury of Antetokounmpo and his struggles to lead the offense during crunch time, where "building a wall" has previously (2020) been a very effective strategy for the Heat. It was an upset, but the Bucks always seemed vulnerable to me.
The Knicks play hard and strong defense, but when Brunson and Randle are your best players a second round exit is actually a fine accomplishment. The Knicks also lack experience. It wasn't a surprise that they lost to the Heat.
Also remember the NBA Finals in 2020 where the Heat won two games and could have really challenged the Lakers if the team didn't suffer so many injuries. Butler took that team on his back as he's doing now. Over the years Butler has always been underrated. A long time Paul George was regarded as a better player, which is simply untrue.
All the advanced stats indicate that Butler is a top 5 player in the NBA, but until now he never got that recognition. Lots of Celtics fans incorrectly thought Tatum to be a bigger star. And that's not a diss on Tatum. Currently Butler after Jokic is the best player remaining in the playoffs and that accounts for a lot.
Nonetheless the Celtics have such a deep roster it's inexcusable to lose two home games. This Celtics team is absolutely not playing at his best, while the Heat are. But I expect the Nuggets to take care of the Heat if it comes to that. For me the only legit championship teams are the Celtics and the Nuggets, unfortunately the Celtics aren't consistently playing like that and therefore Jokic and the Nuggets deserve to take the title.