Coming off one of their worst postseason losses in recent memory in Game 3, the Celtics found themselves in a deep 3-0 series hole. Facing elimination and trailing by six entering halftime of Game 4, the Celtics had 24 minutes to save their season.
Since that halftime break in Game 4, the Celtics have returned to the dominant force we grew so accustomed to watching this season. Boston's run over the last six quarters is nothing short of incredible. They have outscored Miami 176-140 over that stretch, as it has now been 68:15 of game time since Miami last led.
Where did things change so drastically?
Defense to offense
It all starts on the defensive end for this Celtics team. When Boston's defense is getting stops, it allows them to play fast in transition, which is when they play their best. This is something Derrick White acknowledged after Boston's impressive 110-97 Game 5 victory.
"We were able to get stops, which allowed us to get out and run and get good looks," White said.
Boston is now a perfect 8-0 this postseason when they hold their opponents under 106 points. In those games, it's clear how much the Celtics offense has benefited from the work on the defensive end.
It starts on the perimeter. Joe Mazzulla's offense has prided itself on the three ball this season, and that's an area they can excel at when their defense is locked in. In those eight games Boston has held their opponent under 106 points this postseason, they are averaging 16 made threes per game while shooting at a 41% clip.
This postseason, the Celtics are now 10-2 when they make 13 or more threes, and that's in direct correlation with their work on the defensive end. It's crucial that Boston plays fast. It leads to better looks, and fewer turnovers, which is another area Boston has dominated over the past six quarters.
Turnovers
Just as the story was last postseason, the turnover battle is where games have been won or lost for the Celtics this postseason. The Celtics are 7-2 this postseason when they win the turnover battle, and 3-6 when they don't.
Turnovers, along with three-point shooting, have been the key this series. Through five games, the team that has fewer turnovers has won every game. The Celtics have dominated in that area over the last six quarters, forcing 25 Miami turnovers (resulting in 45 points) while only turning the ball over 11 times (resulting in 23 points).
Boston has now recorded 10 or fewer turnovers in consecutive games. They are 5-3 this postseason when recording 10 or fewer turnovers.
Miami is going to have a tough time beating this Celtics team when they take care of the ball. Boston is clearly the more talented team, but they give Miami life when they continuously hand the ball over, and they have limited that the last two games.
Role players stepping up
The Celtics have been regarded as one of the deepest teams in the league this season, and they have shown why over the last six quarters. Help has come in a big way for the Celtics in the form of Marcus Smart, Derrick White and Grant Williams.
It was Williams that provided a spark in Game 4, and it was Smart and White in Game 5.
The duo of Smart and White combined for 47 points in Game 5, which was more than all of Miami's starters combined (44). Boston's guard duo shot 15-of-23 (65.2%) from the field and 10-of-14 (71.4%) from three, while providing a massive presence on the defensive end of the floor, totaling a combined seven of Boston's 13 steals.
Sixth Man of The Year Award winner Malcolm Brogdon was Boston's third leading scorer in points per game this season, averaging 14.9 per game. However, Brogdon has struggled mightily this series due to a partially torn tendon in his right arm. Boston has needed players to step up, and Boston's role players have answered the call.
Halfway to history
It's really as simple as Boston finally figured out how to control "the little things" that plagued them in the first three games, while Miami is now struggling in that department.
Now we have a series, as Boston is halfway to completing the greatest comeback in NBA history. If the Celtics can stay consistent on the defensive end and continue to play their brand of basketball, they have an incredible opportunity to pull off something no team has ever done in crawling out of a 3-0 hole to win a series.
