By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
Coming back from a 3-0 deficit has yet to be done in the NBA Playoffs. The Boston Celtics completed the first of four possible steps packing a clear mindset in Kaseya Center.
With the Miami Heat up 3-0 and the Denver Nuggets sweeping the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference Finals best-of-seven series, that unscratched trend came to a stop with a convincing 116-99 victory for Boston Tuesday.
“Don’t let us get one,” was the mentality coming into Game 4, Marcus Smart and Jaylen Brown stressed in the pregame buildup. Echoing the sentiment on the court and fueling a late rally, Jayson Tatum highlighted a six-pack of double-digit scorers with 33 points to go with 11 rebounds, seven assists, two blocks, and one steal. The series deficit was cut to 3-1.
“We were just trying to save our season,” explained the 25-year-old forward after the Celtics dug their way out of a nine-point hole in a win-or-go-home situation on the road. Plenty of the same coming up, starting with Game 5 in TD Garden Thursday.
“We don’t really have a choice,” added head coach Joe Mazzulla, “It’s do-or-die. Got to stick together.”
“They got us tonight,” was the reaction of losing play-caller Erik Spoelstra said, “You have to give them credit for that. There’s no doubt about it. There’s no questioning it.”
Jimmy Butler led the hosts with 29 points, nine rebounds, five assists, one steal, and one block to his name. Turkish Omer Yurtseven grabbed one rebound in a brief showing.
Nikola Jokic is on standby
As a result of the Game 4 outcome, the Western Conference champions Nuggets and Serbian superstar Nikola Jokic must wait at least two more days for their opponent in the 2023 NBA Finals. If the Celtics earn a second straight win, Game 6, will be in Miami on NBA Saturdays. A possible Game 7 would take place in Boston next Monday.
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