” I saw all six. (Six) bricks. » Joe Mazzulla describes in its own way the collapse of the Celtics in the “money time” of Game 6 against the Heat, materialized by a 0/6 on shots. Four minutes from the end, after a 3-point action from Marcus Smart, his men had the cards in hand to win almost calmly with a 10-point lead (88-98).
3-point shot missed by Jayson Tatum after an isolation, “airball” from Marcus Smart from the same distance, missed shot from Robert Williams near the circle, “floater” missed by Derrick White… Boston had a big hole attacking air as Jimmy Butler ramped up on the other side of the pitch.
” They went into the zone, which slowed us down a bit. We had some really good shots, we couldn’t convert them “, sums up the coach. Same observation for Derrick White according to whom the Celtics and him have ” continued to trust, to make the right choice. We had to keep trusting each other. »
Quite a challenge because while the Celtics attack seized up, Miami pushed very hard. To the point that three seconds from the end, Jimmy Butler obtained the fault of Al Horford behind the 3-point line and restored a point ahead to his training thanks to a perfect series of free throws.
“I didn’t have time to think that the season might be over”
“ It’s crazy. One of the ballboys asked me the question after the match. I replied that I was aware of the score, of what was happening, but you don’t realize the extent of the situation, you stay in the present moment. I didn’t have time to think that the season might be over. I said to myself: no, we have three seconds left, we will try to do something “, thus delivers Jayson Tatum.
The “trick” in question ended with a miraculous buzzer tap from Derrick White to snatch victory and a seventh game.
” Frankly at this time, I am in full prayer. Whatever prayer I had, whatever ‘duâa’ (invocation in Islam) I had, I kept reciting it in my head. I knew our season was on the brink “says Jaylen Brown, suggesting divine intervention.
Joe Mazzulla will remember the fact that his players continued to fight: “ I appreciated the resilience of the players. We had chances to collapse, and we did. The guys showed resilience. That’s all. »
