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The Latest on Malcolm Brogdon's Status for Celtics-Heat Game 7
It took a miracle, but the Celtics' march toward history continues thanks to Derrick White's buzzer-beating put-back.
Before White saved Boston's season, teams were 89-0 when they shot at least 45 percent on threes, their opponent only converted on 25 percent or less of their long-range looks, and both launched at least 30 attempts.
The Celtics went 7/35 (20 percent) from beyond the arc. Conversely, the Heat shot 14/30 (46.7 percent) from three-point range. The visitors also committed 12 turnovers to the hosts' five.
To be in control of the game despite those circumstances, leading by ten with less than five minutes left, is quite impressive, even though it nearly became irrelevant, except for adding to what would've been a devastating way for the defending Eastern Conference champions to enter the offseason.
But with White propelling Boston to a Game 7 on the TD Garden parquet with a 104-103 win, it's time for both teams to turn the page to Monday's winner-take-all matchup.
One of the questions for the Celtics, as they attempt to become the first team in NBA history to erase a 3-0 deficit, which would send them back to the Finals, is whether Malcolm Brogdon will rejoin the rotation.
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The Sixth Man of the Year did not play in Game 6 due to dealing with a right forearm strain. He has a partial tear in the tendon coming out of his right elbow that leads into his forearm. Jared Weiss of The Athletic first reported the severity of the former Virginia Cavalier's injury.
Brogdon has made one of his last 13 shots, gone scoreless in two of Boston's last three games, and played 18:23 or less in those matchups.
Friday, head coach Joe Mazzulla conveyed, "Whatever his pain tolerance is, he's doing the best (that) he can. It's a day-to-day thing."
As they did before Game 6 before declaring him out, the Celtics list Brogdon as questionable on their injury report on the eve of Game 7.
They've stuck with a seven-player rotation since he did not return after halftime of Game 5, so this author anticipates they stick with that if Brogdon remains out, which seems more likely than him suiting up on Monday.
Update: Per Marc Spears of Andscape, Malcolm Brogdon plans to play in Game 7.
As captured by CLNS Media, after Monday's shootaround, the Sixth Man of the Year was getting shots up, looked comfortable, and was knocking them down at an impressive clip.
Brogdon's return could provide a boost for a Boston bench that got outscored 22-11 Saturday. Having him back would at least help pace Marcus Smart and Derrick White, who logged 42 minutes in Game 6.
Further Reading
Jaylen Brown Reacts to Historic Run Against Miami Heat in Eastern Conference Finals
Celtics React to Derrick White's Game 6 Heroics: 'I'm Still in Disbelief'
Derrick White Discusses Season-Saving Buzzer Beater: 'Now It's on to Game 7'
Here's What Stood Out in Game 5 Win vs. Heat: Celtics Reconnecting to Swing Series Momentum
Film Room: Grant Williams' Value on Full Display in Celtics' Game 4 Win vs. Heat
Celtics Stars Speak on Team Sticking Together Down 3-0: 'We Didn't Want That to Define Us'
Jaylen Brown Responds to Rumors of Disconnect in Celtics Locker Room
