Inside The Celtics

Celtics Ready for Their Chance to Make History: 'I've Never Been So Excited to Go Back to Boston'

The Celtics are one win from becoming the first team in NBA history to overcome a 3-0 deficit.

Bobby Krivitsky

Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
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The Celtics' march toward history began with Marcus Smart declaring, "Don't let us get one," channeling his inner Kevin Millar.

It looked like their attempt to become the first team in NBA history to overcome a 3-0 deficit would end with a crushing collapse, blowing a ten-point lead with less than five minutes left in Game 6.

But even Marcus Smart's three rolling in and out as the final seconds ticked off the clock couldn't dash Boston's championship hopes.

Teams were 89-0 when they shot at least 45 percent on threes, their opponent only converted on 25 percent or less of their long-range looks, and both launched at least 30 attempts, as was the case Saturday night in Miami. But thanks to Derrick White's season-saving buzzer-beating put-back, the Celtics are on to a Game 7 on the TD Garden parquet.

On the heels of their 104-103 win, Al Horford, who grabbed seven rebounds, swatted two shots, and was instrumental in limiting the Heat to 32 points in the paint, critical to overcoming the hosts generating 21 more points from beyond the arc, conveyed the following about Boston's turnaround since getting blown out 128-102 in Game 3.

"It's been great because we've been so locked in. We really have. And we're really trying to play the right way and continue to push to be better. And now we have to obviously turn the page and look at this film and see how we can improve to make sure that we're ready to go for Monday."

When asked how excited he is for Monday's winner-take-all matchup at TD Garden, Horford expressed, "I can't wait. I can't wait. It's gonna be electric from before and throughout and after, so I'm just really excited to have that opportunity."

Jayson Tatum, who stuffed the stat sheet with a game-high 31 points, a team-best 11 rebounds, five assists, and two blocks, also shared his eagerness for another Game 7 on the same parquet he made history with a 51-point performance to propel the Celtics past the Sixers and into this year's Eastern Conference Finals where they now have a chance to do the unprecedented.

"Right now, I'm just excited that we gave ourselves another chance. We didn't play well (in) the first three games; we didn't deserve to win, whatever you want to say, and we just took it one game at a time. And the series is not over. We've still got a big game Monday. But the grit we showed to get to this moment, I'm proud of that, I'm proud to be on this team, and I've never been so excited to go back to Boston in my life. And I cannot wait to see all the fans on Monday, 'cause it's gonna be fun."

Further Reading

The Latest on Malcolm Brogdon's Status for Celtics-Heat Game 7

Jaylen Brown Reacts to Historic Run Against Miami Heat in Eastern Conference Finals

Celtics React to Derrick White's Game 6 Heroics: 'I'm Still in Disbelief'

Derrick White Discusses Season-Saving Buzzer Beater: 'Now It's on to Game 7'

Here's What Stood Out in Game 6 Win vs. Heat: Derrick White Saves Celtics Season as March Toward History Continues

The Celtics Could've Folded and Flamed Out, Instead, They're Inching Closer to History: 'We're Not Going Down Like This'

Here's What Stood Out in Game 5 Win vs. Heat: Celtics Reconnecting to Swing Series Momentum

Film Room: Grant Williams' Value on Full Display in Celtics' Game 4 Win vs. Heat

Celtics Stars Speak on Team Sticking Together Down 3-0: 'We Didn't Want That to Define Us'

Celtics Discuss Returning to Identity Best Suiting Them in Game 4 Win: 'We're a Team That Believes in Us No Matter What'

Jaylen Brown Responds to Rumors of Disconnect in Celtics Locker Room

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Bobby Krivitsky
BOBBY KRIVITSKY

Bobby Krivitsky's experiences include covering the NBA as a credentialed reporter for Basketball Insiders. He's also a national sports talk host for SportsMap Radio, a network airing on 96 radio stations throughout the country. Additionally, he was a major-market host, update anchor, and producer for IMG Audio, and he worked for Bleacher Report as an NFL and NBA columnist.

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