The Miami Heat failed to close the Boston Celtics out at home in Game 4.
The Celtics avoided the sweep and extended the series for an extra couple of days.
And while they’re still down 3-1, it somehow gives us the feeling that they could make things interesting.
That’s why when asked about whether momentum is now on the Celtics’ side, Heat star Jimmy Butler was quick to pump the brakes and state that it’s the exact opposite thing.
“If anything, it’ll build momentum for us.”
Jimmy Butler speaks on Miami’s confidence heading into Game 5 pic.twitter.com/nJiNTnQYOs
— NBA TV (@NBATV) May 24, 2023
Per Butler, this only gives his team even more momentum, as they now know that they’ll need to come out with much more intensity, as his rivals will have their backs against the wall.
Notably, the Heat had won over 70% of their games when trailing by double-digits in this postseason.
So, even when they were down nine points late in the fourth quarter, some still expected them to storm right back and get the win at home.
That’s the kind of confidence that the team inspires, as opposed to what Joe Mazzulla and company have done.
Erik Spoelstra had taken Mazzulla to school in three straight games until the rookie coach finally started using his timeouts properly, as he had stood pat while his team dug itself in a hole night in and night out.
The Celtics struggled vastly against the zone but could make the most of it in Game 4, and they’ll now live for another day and will give their fans another chance to help them out in a must-win matchup on Thursday night.
NEXT:
Heat HC Shares Latest Tyler Herro Return Update
