Getty Image / Mike Ehrmann
The Miami Heat were oh-so-close to clinching an 2023 NBA Finals berth at the end of game 6. But, they came up short in the most dramatic fashion in recent playoff memory. But, Coach Erik Spoelstra guaranteed that game 7 would turn out differently.
After a dramatic comeback, down ten points with 4:30 left in the game, Jimmy Butler made three free throws after being fouled on a three-point attempt in the final seconds. Incredibly, incredibly close.
JIMMY BUTLER. CLUTCH! pic.twitter.com/TiLKv7rh5q
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) May 28, 2023
But, Celtics guard Derrick White snatched victory from the jaws of defeat.
DERRICK WHITE SENDS THE EAST FINALS BACK TO BOSTON FOR GAME 7!
HE WINS IT FOR THE CELTICS AT THE BUZZER 🚨#TissotBuzzerBeater | #TimingEmotions pic.twitter.com/ybUb5CT6l1
— NBA (@NBA) May 28, 2023
That means that the Miami Heat are on the brink of being the first team to blow a 3-0 series lead in NBA history. And, they will have to win in the Boston Garden, a place where the Boston Celtics destroyed the Philadelphia 76ers a week ago in game 7. But Head Coach Erik Spoelstra has strong thoughts on the Heat’s chances to pull off a game-7 win in Boston.
Erik Spoelstra makes a guarantee
“I don't know how we're gonna get this done, but we're gonna go up there and get it done.” 👀 pic.twitter.com/sbeabTNpYm
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) May 28, 2023
Yeah, that is a bold statement. Currently, the Boston Celtics are eight-point favorites for Monday’s game and are -355 against the money line. And Erik Spoelstra’s team is now +1600 to win the NBA Finals.