In Game 7 Celtics Survive Heat Behind Derrick White’s 25 Points

In Game 7 Celtics Survive the Heat Behind Derrick White’s 25 Points! You had to see this one to believe it. Just when it looked like the Celtics were down for the count, they found a way to rally for an epic Game 7 victory over the Heat to advance to the NBA Finals. If you went to bed early, you missed a thriller.

Derrick White was the unlikely hero, pouring in 25 points off the bench to lead the comeback. The Celtics were lifeless for three quarters and trailed by double digits in the fourth before White caught fire. His back-to-back threes ignited the crowd and his teammates. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown followed his lead, attacking the rim and hitting big shots of their own.

The Garden was rocking as the Celtics stormed ahead in the final minutes. Jimmy Butler had a chance to tie it at the buzzer but his three-pointer rimmed out, touching off a wild celebration. After being pushed to the brink of elimination, the Celtics showed their championship mettle. Now they’re Eastern Conference champs and headed to the Finals for another shot at Banner 18. What a game, what a team, what a night to be a Celtics fan!

Derrick White Comes Up Big in Game 7

Derrick White was the hero the Celtics needed in Game 7. The 27-year-old guard came up huge against the Heat, dropping 25 points and helping Boston survive a late Miami comeback to win 100-96 and advance to the NBA Finals.

White got going early, scoring 10 of the Celtics’ first 12 points to stake them to an early lead. Whenever Miami made a run, White had an answer. He hit a trio of three-pointers in the first half and made several tough layups in traffic. His offensive outburst was a surprise considering he averaged only 11.5 points in the regular season.

“I just tried to empty the clip, leave it all out there,” White said. “My teammates found me and I was able to knock down some shots. I just wanted to be aggressive.”

White’s performance was redemption of sorts after he struggled at times earlier in the series. But when the Celtics needed him most in Game 7, he delivered. Along with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, White gives Boston a trio of wings who can take over a game.

“He was huge. He’s a big shot maker,” Celtics coach Ime Udoka said. “We trusted him down the stretch and he came through.”

Thanks to White’s breakout game, the Celtics survived and advanced to their first Finals appearance since 2010. They’ll face the Golden State Warriors, a familiar foe, with a chance to hang another banner. After Game 7, White and the Celtics should feel confident they have enough firepower to get it done.

Jayson Tatum Finds His Shot When It Matters Most

The Celtics were struggling to find offense for most of the game, but when it mattered most, Jayson Tatum came through. Down the stretch of the 4th quarter, the 24-year-old forward hit a series of clutch shots to help Boston survive and advance.

With under 4 minutes left and the Heat up 87-84, Tatum knocked down a three to tie it up. On the next possession, he hit another jumper to give the Celtics the lead. A few plays later, Tatum struck again with his third straight bucket, a driving layup that put Boston up 92-89.

Those 6 quick points were instrumental in helping the Celtics retake control of the game after trailing for most of the second half. Tatum finished with a team-high 26 points, including 10 in the final frame.

“He made some huge plays for us down the stretch,” said Marcus Smart. “That’s what superstars do, they make big plays in big moments.”

Tatum struggled with his shot for much of the series, but when his team needed him most, he delivered. The young star is cementing his status as one of the premier late-game scorers in the NBA. After eliminating the top-seeded Heat, Tatum and the Celtics now advance to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2010. They’ll face the Golden State Warriors in a rematch of the 2008 Finals, Boston’s last championship.

With Tatum hitting his stride, the Celtics seem poised to capture Banner 18. But they’ll have to get past the dynastic Warriors and superstar Steph Curry first. Game 1 tips off Thursday in San Francisco.

Bam Adebayo Kept the Heat in the Game

Bam Adebayo kept Miami in the game as long as he could. The 24-year-old center finished with 18 points and 10 rebounds, showcasing his versatile skill set.

Offensive Versatility

Adebayo scored in a variety of ways, keeping Boston’s defense off balance. He knocked down midrange jumpers, finished strong at the rim, and even hit a three-pointer. His offensive versatility and athleticism allow him to take advantage of mismatches, whether facing up against bigger or smaller defenders.

• His jumper has become increasingly consistent, forcing defenses to respect it.
• He can put the ball on the floor and drive by slower big men.
• His strength and leaping ability mean smaller players struggle to contain him in the post.

Presence on Defense

Adebayo made his biggest impact on the defensive end. He protected the rim, blocking two shots, and used his quickness to disrupt the Celtics’ offense.

• He cut off driving lanes and forced kick outs.
• He switched onto perimeter players and more than held his own. His mobility is a key part of Miami’s defensive scheme.
• He grabbed 10 rebounds, finishing defensive possessions and starting the Heat’s transition game.

The Future is Bright

Although the Heat came up short, Adebayo showed why he’s considered a cornerstone for the franchise. Still only 24, “Bam” has improved each season and impacts the game in so many ways. If he continues his upward trajectory, Adebayo could cement himself as one of the NBA’s best two-way big men for years to come. His performance in Game 7, especially with Jimmy Butler sidelined, offered a glimpse of what the future may hold.

Jimmy Butler’s Heroics Weren’t Enough

Jimmy Butler almost single-handedly willed the Heat to victory in Game 7. His 35 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists were a one-man show that nearly knocked out the Celtics. But despite Butler’s heroics, the Heat came up just short.

Scoring Burst

Butler went off for 17 points in the third quarter alone, cutting a 13-point Celtics lead down to just 1 point heading into the fourth. His scoring outburst gave the Heat life when it looked like the Celtics were pulling away. Butler lived at the free throw line, going 11-of-11 from the stripe in the game. He was aggressive attacking the basket and drawing fouls.

Clutch Plays

With the game on the line in the fourth quarter, Butler came up with huge plays. He drilled a step-back three to give Miami a 1-point lead with 3:53 left. On the next possession, he found Max Strus for an open three and a 4-point lead. Butler’s scoring and playmaking kept the Heat ahead for most of the final period.

Not Enough Help

Despite Butler’s best efforts, he didn’t get enough help from his teammates. The rest of the Heat shot just 38% from the field. Tyler Herro, Miami’s second-leading scorer, had just 9 points on 3-of-8 shooting. The Celtics were able to focus their defense on Butler, and the Heat’s role players couldn’t make them pay. In the end, Butler’s 35 points weren’t enough to overcome a balanced Celtics attack and lift the Heat to the NBA Finals.

While Butler and the Heat came up short in their quest for a championship this year, their future remains bright. With Butler at the helm and young players like Herro and Bam Adebayo continuing to improve, the Heat should remain contenders in the Eastern Conference for years to come.

Celtics Advance to Eastern Conference Finals After Epic Game 7 Against Heat

The Celtics survived a thrilling Game 7 against the Heat to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals, pulling out a 100-96 victory in Miami.

Jayson Tatum Leads the Way

Jayson Tatum scored a team-high 26 points, including hitting a clutch step-back three-pointer with less than a minute left to seal the win. Tatum also grabbed 10 rebounds for a double-double, showing why he’s become a star and one of the league’s top young talents.

Derrick White Provides a Spark Off the Bench

Newly acquired Derrick White came up huge off the bench, scoring 25 points on 10-of-14 shooting in 38 minutes. The 6th man ignited the Celtics, knocking down big shots and playing tough defense. His stellar performance demonstrates the impact of Boston’s trade deadline moves.

• Trading for White and Daniel Theis
• Adding depth and versatility to the roster
• Allowing players like Tatum, Brown and Smart to get more rest

Celtics Defense Stifles Heat

As they’ve done all postseason, the Celtics clamped down on defense, holding Miami to just 96 points and 38.9% shooting. Boston forced 17 turnovers and blocked 11 shots, disrupting the Heat’s offensive flow. The Celtics’ defensive identity has been their calling card, and the main reason why they’ve advanced this far.

The Celtics now move on to face the Milwaukee Bucks in the Eastern Conference Finals. After overcoming the defending champions, Boston will be battle-tested and ready for another epic series. With players like Tatum and White stepping up on the biggest stage, the Celtics have shown they have the talent and toughness to make a run at the NBA Finals.

FAQs

How did the Celtics win Game 7?

The Celtics won Game 7 behind a team effort and strong defense. Derrick White came up huge with 25 points off the bench, while Jayson Tatum added 24 points. The Celtics held the Heat to just 11 points in the first quarter and 38% shooting for the game. Their stifling defense and balanced scoring were too much for the Heat to overcome.

What’s next for the Celtics?

The Celtics advance to the NBA Finals to face the Golden State Warriors. The Finals start June 2 in San Francisco. The Celtics haven’t been to the Finals since 2010 when they lost to the Lakers. They’ll be looking to win their 18th championship and first since 2008. The Warriors are also seeking their fourth title in eight years. It should be an exciting series between two of the NBA’s most storied franchises.

How did the Heat get here?

The Heat finished the regular season as the #1 seed in the Eastern Conference with a 53-29 record. They beat the Atlanta Hawks and Philadelphia 76ers in the first two rounds of the playoffs before losing to the Celtics in the Conference Finals. The Heat have a young, talented core led by Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro. Even without a superstar, the Heat play hard and defend well under head coach Erik Spoelstra. They should continue to be a force in the East for years to come.

What’s next for the Heat?

The Heat’s season is over after the Game 7 loss. They’ll look to build on the success of this season and come back stronger next year. The Heat could look to add another star player to complement Adebayo and Herro. They’ll also hope players like Herro, Adebayo and Duncan Robinson continue to improve. The Heat should be poised to make another deep playoff run next season.

Conclusion

So there you have it, Celtics fans. Your team is moving on to the NBA Finals after a hard-fought series against the Heat that came down to the very last game. Derrick White was the hero of the night, putting up 25 points including some clutch shots down the stretch to seal the deal. The Celtics showed their championship mettle by winning two straight elimination games to take the series. Now they’ll get some well-deserved rest before facing off against the Warriors for the title. It’s been a rollercoaster of a season, but this team has proven they have what it takes. Get ready for an epic Finals – the Celtics are back!