The Boston Celtics’ 2022–2023 season concluded in a disappointing fashion as they fell to the Miami Heat in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals. Despite a valiant effort to overcome a 0–3 series deficit, the Celtics were unable to secure a victory in the decisive game, ending their pursuit of an 18th NBA Championship.
Season Overview
The Celtics entered the season with high expectations, aiming to build upon their previous year’s success. Under the leadership of interim head coach Joe Mazzulla, who was later promoted to permanent head coach on February 16, 2023, the team finished the regular season with a 57–25 record, securing the top spot in the Atlantic Division and the second seed in the Eastern Conference.
Playoff Journey
In the playoffs, the Celtics faced challenges but managed to advance through the early rounds. They defeated the Atlanta Hawks in six games during the first round and overcame the Philadelphia 76ers in a grueling seven-game series in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. This set the stage for a rematch against the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals, a team they had faced multiple times in recent years.
Eastern Conference Finals
The series against the Heat began unfavorably for the Celtics, as they quickly found themselves in a 0–3 deficit. However, demonstrating resilience, Boston won three consecutive games, forcing a Game 7 at their home court, TD Garden. Notably, in Game 6, Derrick White made a dramatic buzzer-beating putback layup, becoming the first player since Michael Jordan in 1989 to hit a game-winning shot with his team trailing and facing elimination.
Game 7 Breakdown
In the decisive Game 7, the Celtics struggled from the outset. Star player Jayson Tatum injured his ankle on the first play, which significantly impacted his performance. He finished the game with 14 points and 11 rebounds but was visibly limited. Jaylen Brown attempted to shoulder the offensive load, scoring 19 points and grabbing eight rebounds; however, he struggled with efficiency, shooting 1-of-9 from three-point range and committing a playoff-high eight turnovers.
The team’s overall shooting woes were evident, as they missed their first 12 three-point attempts and ended the game shooting just 21% from beyond the arc. In contrast, the Heat capitalized on the Celtics’ misfortunes. Caleb Martin delivered a playoff career-high 26 points on 11-of-16 shooting, while Jimmy Butler added 28 points, leading Miami to a 103–84 victory and securing their spot in the NBA Finals.
Contributing Factors to the Loss
Several key factors contributed to the Celtics’ Game 7 defeat:
-
Injuries: Tatum’s early ankle injury hindered his mobility and scoring ability, disrupting the Celtics’ offensive rhythm.
-
Turnovers: The Celtics committed numerous turnovers, with Brown alone accounting for eight. These errors led to easy transition points for the Heat.
-
Shooting Inefficiency: Boston’s poor shooting from three-point range (21%) allowed Miami to pack the paint defensively, limiting driving lanes and forcing contested shots.
-
Defensive Breakdowns: The Celtics struggled to contain Miami’s role players, particularly Caleb Martin, who consistently found open looks and capitalized on them.
Looking Ahead
The Celtics’ unexpected exit from the playoffs raises questions about the team’s future direction. While the core duo of Tatum and Brown has been effective, the series exposed areas needing improvement:
-
Depth and Bench Production: Enhancing the bench to provide consistent scoring and defensive intensity is crucial.
-
Ball Security: Emphasizing ball control and reducing turnovers must be a focal point in the offseason.
-
Shooting Consistency: Investing in shooting development and acquiring reliable perimeter shooters could prevent future scoring droughts.
Addressing these issues will be vital for the Celtics as they aim to return stronger in the next season and contend for the championship.
Conclusion
The Celtics’ journey through the Eastern Conference Finals showcased both their resilience and vulnerabilities. Despite a commendable effort to overcome a significant series deficit, the culmination in a Game 7 loss highlighted critical areas for improvement. As the franchise reflects on this season, strategic adjustments and development will be essential to achieve their championship aspirations in the future.
