Heat (3-1) at Celtics (1-3) ECF Game #5 5/25/23

[tenn_smoothie]

I will be pulling hard for the Celts in Game 6, but I honestly think us forcing a Game 7 is a long shot.

[Kernewek]

At the end of the day, we avoided the sweep, the Lakers are out of the playoffs - everything else that happens in this series is house money.

[iadera]

At the end of the day, we avoided the sweep, the Lakers are out of the playoffs - everything else that happens in this series is house money.

From this perspective - yes, it's a house money, but what if we lose? At the end of the day, this won't and shouldn't be a success. We all know what we hoped this team was capable of. And we still hope it is. At least until next game, and maybe next one...#banner 18

[cman88]

down 3-0 is irrelevant at this point. now its 3-2 going on the road to face elimination. in a place they have won 4 out of the last 5 in the playoffs.

celtics have been here before...against Milwaukee last year and Philly this year.

also, BTW why does the Media ignore when Jimmy Butler has pretty pedestrian games? all I saw from the media is "BUT OMG JIMMY IS SMILING ON THE BENCH AFTER GAME 5!"

[liam]

Denver is home licking their lips watching these two teams beat each other up.

[jambr380]

At the end of the day, we avoided the sweep, the Lakers are out of the playoffs - everything else that happens in this series is house money.

From this perspective - yes, it's a house money, but what if we lose? At the end of the day, this won't and shouldn't be a success. We all know what we hoped this team was capable of. And we still hope it is. At least until next game, and maybe next one...#banner 18

Yeah, we were distraught when we were in this position against Philly. All we did by winning these last two games was give ourselves a chance. Before last night, it wasn't even worth talking about.

Game 6 is going to be intense. We need to come out with the same level of focus and grit that we did in game 5. It's easy for this team to feel comfortable now, but they need to keep that same level of urgency and realize that one let up means you go home.

Oz mentioned the 3PT%, but both teams essentially shot around the same from FG% and 3PT%. It was our hustle and determination that won us this game.

[jambr380]

Denver is home licking their lips watching these two teams beat each other up.

Maybe, but I can promise you they don't want to face a Boston team that has just reeled off four straight. I am definitely not assuming that will happen as we've only won 2 of 4; just noting that Denver is absolutely pulling for the Heat right now...especially now that they seem fallible.

[Birdman]

Who would have home court? Celtics or nuggets?

[cman88]

At the end of the day, we avoided the sweep, the Lakers are out of the playoffs - everything else that happens in this series is house money.

From this perspective - yes, it's a house money, but what if we lose? At the end of the day, this won't and shouldn't be a success. We all know what we hoped this team was capable of. And we still hope it is. At least until next game, and maybe next one...#banner 18

Yeah, we were distraught when we were in this position against Philly. All we did by winning these last two games was give ourselves a chance. Before last night, it wasn't even worth talking about.

Game 6 is going to be intense. We need to come out with the same level of focus and grit that we did in game 5. It's easy for this team to feel comfortable now, but they need to keep that same level of urgency and realize that one let up means you go home.

Oz mentioned the 3PT%, but both teams essentially shot around the same from FG% and 3PT%. It was our hustle and determination that won us this game.

I don't think they will let up. Celtics seem to play max effort down 3-2 going on the road.

I think its about time for Tatum to win us a game all by himself (46 against Milwaukee, the last 4 minutes vs Philly)

Thing is Miami will up their intensity as well so Celtics need to be ready for it. Hopefully these last 2 games is both teams reverting their the mean...but everyone seems locked in. joe even seems to finally have a pulse on when yo call time-outs

[mobilija]

Denver is home licking their lips watching these two teams beat each other up.

Seems like almost every year a banged up eastern conference team limps into the finals against a healthy western conference foe. Why is that?

[hodgy03038]

Great win last night. I am very pleased with everyone's effort last night EXCEPT what happened to Pritchard? Why is he so bad? He is not even playable. If he's in for one possession he screws up.

[celticinorlando]

Celtics seemed to have found their game. It is just sad it took so long. Miami needs Boston's mistakes to win. In games 1-3 the celtics helped them.

I honestly have no idea what happens Saturday.

[Vermont Green]

Who would have home court? Celtics or nuggets?

Celtics had 57 wins, Denver 53 wins.

[jambr380]

Great win last night. I am very pleased with everyone's effort last night EXCEPT what happened to Pritchard? Why is he so bad? He is not even playable. If he's in for one possession he screws up.

Pritchard always comes in with too much energy and wants to make an immediate impact. If he knows going in that he is going to play 5-6 minutes in each half, then I think he would play a lot more fundamentally sound. He performs better with consistency and encouragement rather than desperately hoping he doesn't screw up.

[GreenEnvy]

At the end of the day, we avoided the sweep, the Lakers are out of the playoffs - everything else that happens in this series is house money.

From this perspective - yes, it's a house money, but what if we lose? At the end of the day, this won't and shouldn't be a success. We all know what we hoped this team was capable of. And we still hope it is. At least until next game, and maybe next one...#banner 18

Yeah, we were distraught when we were in this position against Philly. All we did by winning these last two games was give ourselves a chance. Before last night, it wasn't even worth talking about.

Game 6 is going to be intense. We need to come out with the same level of focus and grit that we did in game 5. It's easy for this team to feel comfortable now, but they need to keep that same level of urgency and realize that one let up means you go home.

Oz mentioned the 3PT%, but both teams essentially shot around the same from FG% and 3PT%. It was our hustle and determination that won us this game.

I don't think they will let up. Celtics seem to play max effort down 3-2 going on the road.

I think its about time for Tatum to win us a game all by himself (46 against Milwaukee, the last 4 minutes vs Philly)

Thing is Miami will up their intensity as well so Celtics need to be ready for it. Hopefully these last 2 games is both teams reverting their the mean...but everyone seems locked in. joe even seems to finally have a pulse on when yo call time-outs

But they always bring their intensity. I didn’t notice much of a dropoff in the last two games compared to the first three.

Charles mentioned it in the postgame: we know what Miami is. Gritty. They basically go the same speed at all times. It’s the Celtics who can vary wildly. We know what Miami team to expect. If the Celtics bring their A game, we will be back in Boston on Monday.

Miami is going to give their best tomorrow night. But the Celtics at their best is better than any version of Miami, even desperation Heat. If THOSE Celtics arrive to the arena tomorrow afternoon, Miami is in a world of trouble. You already know doubt is creeping in on them,” (even Jimmy), whereas the Celtics are gaining confidence each passing quarter.