Inside The Celtics

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

The Celtics outscored the Heat 66-43, landing a second-half haymaker that sends the series back to Boston.

Bobby Krivitsky

Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports
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The Celtics took their first step in what remains a long journey toward history and a return trip to the NBA Finals, earning a 116-99 win over the Heat on Tuesday.

Boston did so by getting back to an identity that puts its defense at the forefront, staying locked in, and playing with the necessary focus, energy, resistance, and attention to detail regardless of whether shots were falling.

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Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports

That allowed them to maintain an up-tempo offensive operation, helping create in-rhythm threes, translating to drilling 19/45 (42.2 percent) attempts from beyond the arc.

It was an impressive display at both ends and a victory that showed the resiliency and character of this group, something they consistently reinforce when their backs are against the wall.

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Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports

After the win, Jayson Tatum, whose 33 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists were game highs, as were his two blocks, matching Robert Williams and Derrick White for the most in the matchup, addressed the Celtics sticking together despite entering Tuesday's tilt in an 0-3 hole.

"Everybody was in good spirits. Everybody was upbeat, and as cliche as it sounds, we're just trying to take it one game at a time. We didn't play well (in) those first three games, (and) we didn't deserve to win. But we didn't want that to define us. (To) define our season, and we still got a long, uphill battle to go, but tonight was a good start, and try to carry this momentum towards Thursday."

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Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports

Jaylen Brown, who registered 17 points, four rebounds, four assists, and two steals, also shared his perspective on the adversity the Celtics are facing serving as a galvanizing force.

"A lot of times when you get to this point, down 3-0, you see locker rooms and teams start to go in the other direction. We wanted to make sure that we stayed together. We wanted to make sure that we looked each other in the eye and came out today and put our best foot forward. And I'm proud of our group for doing that.

"You see teams with their back against the wall, and you see they collapse. You didn't see that tonight. You've seen us come together. You've seen us play defense. You've seen us make the right plays. And I feel like that shows a lot about our character, especially in a game where everything is on the line, and everything has went wrong in the last couple of games."

Further Reading

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

Here's What Stood Out in Game 4 Win vs. Heat: Celtics Get Back to Defensive Identity to Save Their Season

Celtics Address Report Ime Udoka's Exit Bred Disconnect: 'We're Off Right Now'

Looking to do the Impossible, Celtics Channel Kevin Millar: 'Don't Let Us Get One'

Trading Jaylen Brown is a Gamble the Celtics are Better Off Not Making

Joe Mazzulla Takes Blame for Celtics' Getting Blown Out in Game 3 of Eastern Conference Finals: 'I Have to be Better'

Here's What Stood Out in Game 3 Loss to Heat: Celtics on Brink of Elimination After Worst Performance This Postseason

Celtics React to Letting 12-Point Lead Slip in Fourth Quarter of Game 2 Loss to Heat: 'We Let Everybody Down'

Here's What Stood Out in Game 2 Loss: Celtics Blow 12-Point Fourth-Quarter Lead, Go to Miami Down 0-2

Celtics Address 'Letting Go of the Rope' After Game 1 Loss to Heat

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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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