White's Heroic Buzzer-Beater Extends Celtics' Playoff Run, Forces Game 7 in East Finals
White's Heroic Buzzer-Beater Extends Celtics' Playoff Run, Forces Game 7 in East Finals
In a thrilling matchup between the Boston Celtics and the Miami Heat, Derrick White emerged as the hero with a spectacular putback as time expired, leading the Celtics to a heart-stopping 104-103 victory. White's clutch play not only kept the Celtics' playoff hopes alive but also etched his name in NBA history alongside Michael Jordan as the only players to hit a buzzer-beater with their team trailing and facing elimination.
The tension was palpable as the Celtics found themselves a mere tenth of a second away from elimination. Conversely, the Heat were tantalizingly close to securing their spot in the NBA Finals. With the game hanging in the balance, White seized the moment, securing the offensive rebound and converting the putback to seal the victory.
The Celtics, fueled by White's heroics, completed an improbable comeback from a 3-0 series deficit. They joined a select group of teams in NBA history that have managed to erase such a daunting disadvantage in a best-of-seven series. The 1951 New York Knicks, 1994 Denver Nuggets, and 2003 Portland Trail Blazers all achieved this feat but ultimately fell short in Game 7.
Now, the stage is set for an epic Game 7 clash on the Celtics' home court. The winner will advance to face the Western Conference champion, the Denver Nuggets, in the NBA Finals, which are scheduled to begin on Thursday.
While the Celtics celebrated their remarkable comeback, the Heat were left devastated by the turn of events. Jimmy Butler's clutch free throws had given Miami a one-point lead with only seconds remaining, and it appeared as though they would secure their place in the Finals. However, White's lightning-quick putback shattered their hopes and extended the series.
The significance of White's shot cannot be overstated. It marked the second time in NBA history that a player hit a buzzer-beater with his team trailing and facing elimination. Michael Jordan's iconic "The Shot" against the Cleveland Cavaliers in 1989 was the only other instance before White's heroics.
As the teams head into Game 7, the excitement and anticipation reach a crescendo. Erik Spoelstra, the head coach of the Heat, expressed his enthusiasm for the winner-takes-all showdown, emphasizing that there's nothing quite like a Game 7 in basketball.
Both teams have displayed resilience and determination throughout the series. The Celtics, who have won five of their last six Eastern Conference finals games in Miami, aim to punch their ticket to the NBA Finals once again, just as they did in the previous season against the Heat. On the other hand, the Heat, a formidable No. 8 seed, seek to defy the odds and become only the second eighth seed to reach the NBA Finals.
Despite the disappointment of relinquishing a commanding 3-0 lead, the Heat remain optimistic and believe they have a special group capable of achieving something extraordinary. Udonis Haslem, a revered figure in Miami and a veteran on the team, may have played his final home game of his illustrious 20-year career, adding an emotional element to the upcoming Game 7.
The Celtics have shown remarkable resilience throughout the playoffs, boasting a perfect 5-0 record when facing elimination. Their road victories against the Philadelphia 76ers earlier in the playoffs paved the way for their comeback against the Heat, and they now have an opportunity to etch their names in history with a victory in Game 7.
As the anticipation builds and the clock ticks down to the decisive matchup, both teams will draw upon their faith, togetherness, and belief in their abilities. The Celtics have listed a myriad of reasons for their incredible resurgence,

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