After seeing a 3-0 Eastern Conference Finals lead evaporate before their very eyes, and with their backs all the way against the wall, ESPN Analytics isn’t giving the Miami Heat much of a chance to win Game 7 in Boston on Monday.
According to the network, the Celtics have an 82.8% chance of advancing to their second straight NBA Finals. Compared to the Miami Heat who hold just a 17.2% chance.
The Heat lost in heartbreaking fashion in Game 6 after being just three seconds away from closing the deal at home.
DERRICK WHITE SENDS THE SERIES TO GAME 7 ☘️
WHAT A GAME 😱
(via @NBAonTNT)pic.twitter.com/DkHRhRpGMU
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) May 28, 2023
Following a trio of clutch free throws from Jimmy Butler, Miami’s defense allowed Celtics guard Derrick White to snake through and score a go-ahead putback to beat the buzzer and send the series back to TD Garden.
It’s hard to imagine tougher circumstances for Erik Spoelstra’s team going into the final game but at least history is on their side. Of the 150 previous times a team has fallen down 0-3 in the NBA playoffs, that team is 0-150 in the series.
Does that trend continue tonight?