Do you still believe?

[Kernewek]

If the C's do somehow win this series, they ought to be called the "We Believe Celtics" season, similar to the Warriors back in the 07s haha

That was a fun series.

We may not win two more in a row, but this thread is a great time capsule already. See you all on Saturday.

[RPGenerate]

I believe again, baby. We've been in this 3-2 situation against Philly and Milwaukee, and we've come out top both times. just have to stay the course.

[Boston Garden Leprechaun]

LFG!!!!!!!!!!!!

from my favorite boxer of all time

the easton assassin

larry holmes entrance music

AINT NO STOPPIN US NOW

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2FW1WJc0lg

[gouki88]

I am a bit scared to truly believe, but the series is absolutely alive. Would be a historic comeback, but this team seems to thrive when it’s back is against the wall

[ozgod]

I am a bit scared to truly believe, but the series is absolutely alive. Would be a historic comeback, but this team seems to thrive when it’s back is against the wall

My fear is that the last two games have gone our way because we've shot 40%+ from 3 both of those games. It's an easier game when you make your threes, especially for this team. Because if you make your threes, the Heat have to inbound the ball and walk it up against a half court defense and we can press them. When you miss threes, they get out in transition and then you get the pull up 3s, corner 3s and layups against a scrambling defense.

I tried to look at the box score stats for the series and obviously the threes % is a big one, but because we were in half court defense more often we had more steals, deflections, blocks, which at least is a sign of a more committed defense. The Heat had 15 and 16 turnovers the last couple of games vs us 10 and 9, after the turnover stats were reversed in games 1 - 3. In fact, the blocks, steals were also reversed in the last 2 games from the first 3.

Code: [Select]

R FG% 3FG% STL BLK TO oFG% o3FG% oSTL oBLK oTO
G1 L .519 .345 6 3 15 .541 .516 12 3 12
G2 L .468 .286 2 9 15 .457 .346 9 5 10
G3 L .398 .262 3 3 15 .568 .543 7 4 9
G4 W .512 .400 8 8 10 .436 .250 5 2 15
G5 W .506 .410 13 4 9 .513 .391 6 2 16
I hope this isn't just a case of "we made our threes, we win" - definitely we deserved to make our 3s because of the ball movement and the spacing being a lot better. But our defense needs to continue to force turnovers, even if we miss shots and have to defend in transition. We need to limit as many of those opportunities for the Heat as possible. I have a feeling G6 will be a grind it out game, it's not going to be pretty and it's going to be stressful for both fanbases to watch, so we have to figure out a way to win either way. I just don't want them to hang their heads if they start missing and let their defense lapse, give them as little transition opportunities as possible.

I do think if we win G6 it will be our series to lose, so this is really the pivotal game.

[angryguy77]

I am a bit scared to truly believe, but the series is absolutely alive. Would be a historic comeback, but this team seems to thrive when it’s back is against the wall

My fear is that the last two games have gone our way because we've shot 40%+ from 3 both of those games. It's an easier game when you make your threes, especially for this team. Because if you make your threes, the Heat have to inbound the ball and walk it up against a half court defense and we can press them. When you miss threes, they get out in transition and then you get the pull up 3s, corner 3s and layups against a scrambling defense.

I tried to look at the box score stats for the series and obviously the threes % is a big one, but because we were in half court defense more often we had more steals, deflections, blocks, which at least is a sign of a more committed defense. The Heat had 15 and 16 turnovers the last couple of games vs us 10 and 9, after the turnover stats were reversed in games 1 - 3. In fact, the blocks, steals were also reversed in the last 2 games from the first 3.

Code: [Select]

R FG% 3FG% STL BLK TO oFG% o3FG% oSTL oBLK oTO
G1 L .519 .345 6 3 15 .541 .516 12 3 12
G2 L .468 .286 2 9 15 .457 .346 9 5 10
G3 L .398 .262 3 3 15 .568 .543 7 4 9
G4 W .512 .400 8 8 10 .436 .250 5 2 15
G5 W .506 .410 13 4 9 .513 .391 6 2 16
I hope this isn't just a case of "we made our threes, we win" - definitely we deserved to make our 3s because of the ball movement and the spacing being a lot better. But our defense needs to continue to force turnovers, even if we miss shots and have to defend in transition. We need to limit as many of those opportunities for the Heat as possible. I have a feeling G6 will be a grind it out game, it's not going to be pretty and it's going to be stressful for both fanbases to watch, so we have to figure out a way to win either way. I just don't want them to hang their heads if they start missing and let their defense lapse, give them as little transition opportunities as possible.

I do think if we win G6 it will be our series to lose, so this is really the pivotal game.

The 3 pt % helped no doubt, but the defense intensity and winning 50/50 plays were what won the game. We didn't win because of luck.

If they bring this intensity on Saturday, they'll win.

[radiohead]

It feels like everyone is anticipating the Celtics to make history. They’re even favored (-2.5) to win Game 6 on the road. That for me is the scary part. I hope the players remain locked in with the task at hand. One game at a time!

[iadera]

I am a bit scared to truly believe, but the series is absolutely alive. Would be a historic comeback, but this team seems to thrive when it’s back is against the wall

My fear is that the last two games have gone our way because we've shot 40%+ from 3 both of those games. It's an easier game when you make your threes, especially for this team. Because if you make your threes, the Heat have to inbound the ball and walk it up against a half court defense and we can press them. When you miss threes, they get out in transition and then you get the pull up 3s, corner 3s and layups against a scrambling defense.

I tried to look at the box score stats for the series and obviously the threes % is a big one, but because we were in half court defense more often we had more steals, deflections, blocks, which at least is a sign of a more committed defense. The Heat had 15 and 16 turnovers the last couple of games vs us 10 and 9, after the turnover stats were reversed in games 1 - 3. In fact, the blocks, steals were also reversed in the last 2 games from the first 3.

Code: [Select]

R FG% 3FG% STL BLK TO oFG% o3FG% oSTL oBLK oTO
G1 L .519 .345 6 3 15 .541 .516 12 3 12
G2 L .468 .286 2 9 15 .457 .346 9 5 10
G3 L .398 .262 3 3 15 .568 .543 7 4 9
G4 W .512 .400 8 8 10 .436 .250 5 2 15
G5 W .506 .410 13 4 9 .513 .391 6 2 16
I hope this isn't just a case of "we made our threes, we win" - definitely we deserved to make our 3s because of the ball movement and the spacing being a lot better. But our defense needs to continue to force turnovers, even if we miss shots and have to defend in transition. We need to limit as many of those opportunities for the Heat as possible. I have a feeling G6 will be a grind it out game, it's not going to be pretty and it's going to be stressful for both fanbases to watch, so we have to figure out a way to win either way. I just don't want them to hang their heads if they start missing and let their defense lapse, give them as little transition opportunities as possible.

I do think if we win G6 it will be our series to lose, so this is really the pivotal game.

The 3 pt % helped no doubt, but the defense intensity and winning 50/50 plays were what won the game. We didn't win because of luck.

If they bring this intensity on Saturday, they'll win.

They left Heat below 100 in both last games. If there were only 3s the reason for winning, I bet Heat would have scored more.

[cman88]

yeah, defense is what won the game. people are making alot of celtics shooting 41%. but Miami shot 39.1% from 3! and 51% total for the game. its very simplistic to say "celtics shot well so they won"

But it was the ball pressure and being physical with their hands, forcing turnovers, fighting hard for 50-50 balls. Miami had to work for EVERYTHING. They made bam/jimmy uncomfortable...most of the shots Miami hit were tough "got to tip your cap" type shots.

compare that to games 1-3 where celtics let Miami shoot like 60% and get to anywhere they wanted on the court.

IF, and thats a big if considering how this team has played at times they can keep that defensive intensity up. Miami cant beat them. Chuck is right on that one. he said if celtics play to their potential, Miami cant win.

I think we need a tatum masterclass type game where he goes for 46. Although I'll take another Derrick White big game...

[Roy H.]

Where'd that ball movement come from?  That was crisp.

I said it last night, but I don't care how we shoot. If we move the ball and play excellent defense, we won't lose.

[celticinorlando]

After a sleep on it:

-When Boston moves the ball and drives the ball they are fantastic.
-Point Tatum is their best offense
-I do not think they can just count on the 3s dropping tomorrow. They have to be balanced.
-Best rebounding effort the last 2 games in a long time
-Defense has to be at the level it has been the last 2 games
-Boston super comfortable being in this situation
-This is game 7 for Miami. IF this gets back to Boston, they have no chance.
-Jimmy Butler HERO BALL game incoming. He is going to try to will them to a win tomorrow.

I have no idea what happens tomorrow. We have not gotten the one possession game late or the OT game yet. I think that might be game 6.

Celtics have to play with energy. Miami is fading. They have been figured out and this series is finding its water level. It is super frustrating it took 3 games for the Celtics to get to their game.

[boscel33]

I'm still out.  If somehow, they pull this off and get #18, I won't celebrate because I've been out since the ATL series, but I'll properly give kudos and congratulate those who had the faith!

[JohnBoy65]

I really have no idea what will happen. There is so much drama, intrigue, and emotion going into this game 6. Pair that was the inconsistencies of Boston I am really nervous.

The only sliver of hope I have is that Boston has dominated the last 6 quarters. Maybe, and just maybe, that is a sign that we've figured it out and Miami's magical run is over.

[nyceltsfan]

I really have no idea what will happen. There is so much drama, intrigue, and emotion going into this game 6. Pair that was the inconsistencies of Boston I am really nervous.

The only sliver of hope I have is that Boston has dominated the last 6 quarters. Maybe, and just maybe, that is a sign that we've figured it out and Miami's magical run is over.

It is so hard to say.  Take all the emotion out of it and you see the following:

We are still down 3-2 - Advantage Miami
Celtics have been notoriously inconsistent and have just played 2 good games in a row - Advantage Miami, based on track record
Spoelstra has 2 games of footage to help his team adjust - Advantage Miami

There is also hot shooting that may revert at some point and Gabe Vincent coming back on the other side, while we cannot expect anything out of Brogdon anymore.

This task no longer seems completely impossible, but I still have to call it unlikely to happen.

[Surferdad]

yeah, defense is what won the game. people are making alot of celtics shooting 41%. but Miami shot 39.1% from 3! and 51% total for the game. its very simplistic to say "celtics shot well so they won"

But it was the ball pressure and being physical with their hands, forcing turnovers, fighting hard for 50-50 balls. Miami had to work for EVERYTHING. They made bam/jimmy uncomfortable...most of the shots Miami hit were tough "got to tip your cap" type shots.

compare that to games 1-3 where celtics let Miami shoot like 60% and get to anywhere they wanted on the court.

IF, and thats a big if considering how this team has played at times they can keep that defensive intensity up. Miami cant beat them. Chuck is right on that one. he said if celtics play to their potential, Miami cant win.

I think we need a tatum masterclass type game where he goes for 46. Although I'll take another Derrick White big game...

good post overall, TP.
I definitely noticed the bolded stuff. Bam was tightly covered in the lane and hit that one impossible bank shot, which SVG rightly called "a bail-out shot not a good shot". Also, Butler took ONLY 10 SHOTS because he was heavily guarded. I laugh at pundits (looking at you Mike Felger) who say Butler has "the dog" but Tatum or Brown don't.