Heat (3-1) at Celtics (1-3) ECF Game #5 9/25/20

[Scottiej23]

Game 6 will be tougher than game 7.

There's got to be some pressure on the Heat though. They got blown out, and definitely don't want to go to a game 7 against us.

I think the pressure is really on Miami for the next game.

I also legitimate believe we will still win this series. Only tony Brothers can stop us. It has become so ridiculous now I have even taking to betting on games where he officiates us. I had never placed a bet on basketball in my life until game 4.

[Greenality]

I think Miami will feel BIG pressure to close out the Celtics in G6.

Being down 3-2 sucks, but I like how the Cs are looking now. That 2nd half was a series-changer.

There is definitely potential for a Miami choke. They have been playing with house money all season, nobody expected anything from them. A lot of their players flew under the radar.

Now suddenly there are huge expectations, and the chance that a finals berth could slip away. The pressure is real.

In general, I would agree. But how this pressure can reveal itself in the actual game?
Having a miserable day behind the arc is a possibility, but Miami were 7/36 today (and not drastically better in the previous 2 games, which they won). Maybe they will have more TO, but IMO it's up to our D be more aggressive. Some nervous decisions in the paint? It's not like they are dominating there.
So I'm leaning towards our guys getting a major psychological boost more than them being fazed by occasion.

[Mahk E Mahk]

brad in the second half was like

and i like this brad.

[Celtics Mike]

Watching Brad Stevens look mad, emotional and aggressive on the sidelines today was awesome to see

I know it’s not really in his nature, but I think that actually was a spark. Notice how the team looked animated in the 2nd half and played so determined. And of course, when he was yelling at the team during a timeout in the 4th while they were trying to close it out. Refreshing to see, and they actually held a lead well.

The atmosphere of the team and guys on the bench seemed to change a ton from what it was in the 1st, and then the 4th.

Wish we saw more of this from Brad. Hope to continue seeing it too.

TP Totally agree
Think he was mad at the lack of effort in the woeful 1st half especially with the season on the line

[Scottiej23]

Watching Brad Stevens look mad, emotional and aggressive on the sidelines today was awesome to see

I know it’s not really in his nature, but I think that actually was a spark. Notice how the team looked animated in the 2nd half and played so determined. And of course, when he was yelling at the team during a timeout in the 4th while they were trying to close it out. Refreshing to see, and they actually held a lead well.

The atmosphere of the team and guys on the bench seemed to change a ton from what it was in the 1st, and then the 4th.

Wish we saw more of this from Brad. Hope to continue seeing it too.

TP Totally agree
Think he was mad at the lack of effort in the woeful 1st half especially with the season on the line

I think this is more confirmation bias than anything else. All I noticed was a couple more cut scenes to Brad behaving more or less doing exactly what he does every game.

[footey]

Game 6 will be tougher than game 7.

There's got to be some pressure on the Heat though. They got blown out, and definitely don't want to go to a game 7 against us.

I think the pressure is really on Miami for the next game.

I also legitimate believe we will still win this series. Only tony Brothers can stop us. It has become so ridiculous now I have even taking to betting on games where he officiates us. I had never placed a bet on basketball in my life until game 4.

Don't blame Game 4 loss on Tony Brothers.

[Scottiej23]

Game 6 will be tougher than game 7.

There's got to be some pressure on the Heat though. They got blown out, and definitely don't want to go to a game 7 against us.

I think the pressure is really on Miami for the next game.

I also legitimate believe we will still win this series. Only tony Brothers can stop us. It has become so ridiculous now I have even taking to betting on games where he officiates us. I had never placed a bet on basketball in my life until game 4.

Don't blame Game 4 loss on Tony Brothers.

I didn't, but the recent statistics are getting to the point where it's hard to explain away as being just an anomaly.

[Somebody]

Just hoping that we can carry on this momentum to game 6, anything can happen in game 7

[keevsnick]

Underrated positive from this game was kemba's foul trouble caused him to sit the later part of the game, he only played 28 minutes tonight so hopefully he can be fresher for game 6.

[Atzar]

We took this game over when we got out in transition.  Need to continue that wherever possible.  I think it loosens the court up for Kemba and I think it's where Jaylen shines the brightest.  Jaylen is capable of being the best player on any court in a fast-paced game where he can use his athleticism. 

Every single time we have a chance, we need to push the ball.  Even if the Heat are getting back, it can still catch them in mismatches and force mistakes.  Stress them.  Don't make their lives easier by letting them set up their defense on every single possession. 

[footey]

This was the most confident I have seen Tatum this entire series.

Gordon still looks very rusty, tentative. Hoping that his ankle continues to get stronger, and his conditioning gets back to normal.  We are not getting much from him these past two games.

Kemba was really gutsy tonight on both ends.  Thought he had a few tough calls, but overall he was productive.

Theis was amazing in 2nd half. I'll have to pipe down about TL's lack of playing time, at least for tonight.

Team defense was really amazing. 

[tarheelsxxiii]

Great win.  I missed the dang 3rd quarter - what happened?

[Ogaju]

Brad is  growing up as a coach....  Gordon Hayward will be even better next game. I like the Cs chances.  They can build on their own experience of 7 game series with Cleveland in 2018 and with TOR this year. GO CELTICS!!!!!!!!

[Scottiej23]

Great win.  I missed the dang 3rd quarter - what happened?

Celtics basketball happened and Miami wanted NO part of it.

[Ogaju]

Great win.  I missed the dang 3rd quarter - what happened?

You need to make other plans for the third quarter on Sunday. For the team!!!