After an uphill battle, the Celtics managed to keep their season alive with a commanding 110-97 win in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Heat. Boston, last year’s NBA runners-up, found themselves in a daunting 3-0 series deficit but rallied to win two games in a row and extend their postseason journey.
Following the pivotal victory, rookie head coach Joe Mazzulla offered a perspective that resonated with his team’s resilience. Mazzulla acknowledged the challenging situation, stating, “One of our assistants put it in great perspective – the season’s nine months long, we just had a bad week. Sometimes you have a bad week at work.”
Despite facing adversity, the Celtics remained united and determined to overcome their struggles. Mazzulla emphasized the team’s cohesion and fighting spirit, noting, “We obviously didn’t pick the best time to have a bad week, but we did, and we’re sticking together and fighting like hell to keep it alive. And the guys are really coming together.”
The Celtics’ triumph in Game 5 breathed new life into their playoff aspirations. They showed resilience, refusing to bow out without a fight. With their eyes set on the NBA Finals, the Celtics must maintain their momentum and continue to play with the same intensity and unity that propelled them to victory.
As the series unfolds, the Celtics will face a daunting challenge in the form of the Heat, an eighth-seed team that has proven its mettle throughout the playoffs. The winner of this fiercely contested series will advance to face the Nuggets, who recently swept the Lakers in the Western Conference Finals.
