The Eastern Conference Finals will once again be held between the Boston Celtics and the Miami Heat. It is also the 3rd time in 5 seasons, the two teams are set to meet each other in the Conference Finals. Last season, it was the same fixture, which saw the Boston Celtics take the series in Game 7. However, once again the two cities collide to book their place in the NBA Finals.
The two teams have each won once facing each other in the last 5 years in the Conference Finals. This tie will decide which team leads the statistics, however, this will be the least of anyone’s concerns. The Miami Heat has stunned everyone, after defeating the Eastern Conference leaders, the Milwaukee Bucks. It was a huge upset by the team from Miami, who later on trumped the New York Knicks to book their spot in the Conference Finals.
As for the Celtics, It was a relatively easy first round against the Atlanta Hawks, where they won 4-2. However, it was a complicated affair against the Philadelphia 76ers, as they had to force Game 7 to win the series. It was a huge fight put up by the Celtics to defeat the 76ers in the series. They are now set to face their rivals from last year in the Conference Finals.
Jimmy Butler of the Heat and Jayson Tatum of the Celtics have put on a show in the playoffs. Butler has single-handedly carried the Heat, averaging 31.1 points per game. He put up a stunning display against the Bucks and fought through injuries against the Knicks. Tatum on the other hand a huge Game 7, putting up a 51-point performance.
Can the Miami Heat take their revenge in the NBA Eastern Conference Finals against the Boston Celtics?
The Miami Heat is one of the most unexpected teams to go the distance in the Playoffs. On the other hand, the Boston Celtics, have been favorites to go to the Finals right from the start. The two teams have played each other 133 times in the NBA, with the Celtics emerging on top on 80 occasions. The Heat have won just 53 times when playing against the Celtics.
Both teams have a huge contrast in the quality that they possess. The Miami Heat have relied heavily on Butler, who is not showing signs of slowing down. He has played through injuries, and playing at the same level he did in 2020. The Celtics have a healthy roster, with Tatum being the best player out of the bunch. However, Jaylen Brown has contributed heavily to sharing the scoring burden.
🍿CELTICS VS. HEAT REMATCH IN THE ECF🍿
WHO YA GOT? pic.twitter.com/wBQ3yjdRNe
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) May 14, 2023
The series ought to be enthralling, as both teams share a history. However, the Celtics have a much better chance of winning the Conference Finals once again. Simply put, the Heat lack the quality to face the Celtics due to significant injuries. The Celtics on the other hand have an early healthy roster. However, we’ve seen in the Playoffs what a handful Butler can be, hence we can expect the series to go down to the line.
