Following their wild 104–103 victory in Game 6, the Celtics have forced Game 7 against the Heat, tying the series and becoming the fourth team in NBA history to even things up after a 3–0 deficit.
A wild game ended up in a fittingly crazy finish, as Jimmy Butler had given the Heat a one-point lead with three seconds left in the game after drawing a foul on Al Horford while attempting a three-point shot. Butler coolly converted all three shots, giving Miami a 103–102 lead.
During Boston’s timeout, Joe Mazzulla drew up a last second shot for Marcus Smart. Smart’s jumper off the inbound pass hit off the rim and bounced out, but just when it looked like the Celtics’ season had come to a painful end, the ever-aware Derrick White scooped the rebound and quickly put the ball back up and in before time expired.
DERRICK WHITE SENDS THE EAST FINALS BACK TO BOSTON FOR GAME 7!
— NBA (@NBA) May 28, 2023
HE WINS IT FOR THE CELTICS AT THE BUZZER 🚨#TissotBuzzerBeater | #TimingEmotions pic.twitter.com/ybUb5CT6l1
Officials reviewed the shot and confirmed it counted, giving the Celtics a stunning Game 6 victory, beating the buzzer by the smallest of margins.
The crowd at the Kaseya Center was as stunned as those watching on their televisions back home, as White’s masterful put back kept Boston’s season alive.
