With the dramatic 104-103 victory, Boston moved to the brink of the greatest comeback in NBA playoffs history. Game 7 is Monday at TD Garden as the Celtics try to become the first team in NBA history to rally from a 3-0 playoff series deficit.
Quiet most of the game, Butler scored 12 points in final four minutes to give the Heat a one-point lead. His three free throws with three seconds left looked like they were going to bury the Celtics. On the following inbound, White got the ball into Smart, who quickly launched a turnaround 3-pointer that rimmed out. Because Smart took the shot so quickly, there was just enough time for White to dart in from the sideline and tip it in off glass before the buzzer sounded.
s the inbounder, White saw the play unfold in front of him. He actually looked for a return pass from Smart as he sprinted down the baseline. When White got into the paint, the rebound found him with 0.3 seconds left. He was still holding the ball with 0.2 seconds left. With the clock at 0.1, the ball left his hands. There was no margin for error. Lucky bounce, but great instincts in a high-pressure spot.
White stood alone in front of the Celtics bench for about 10 seconds signaling bucket as the referees reviewed the play. He knew it was good. When it was official, Robert Williams III greeted White with a chest bump as the Miami crowd went silent in disbelief. The entire Celtics team quickly join the party.
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