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Less than a week ago, the Boston Celtics were facing the prospects of one of the most embarrassing sweeps in recent memory, trailing 3-0 and coming off of a complete no-show in Game 3 in Miami. Now, they are headed to a Game 7 where they are heavy favorites (8 points at most books) to advance to the Finals for the second straight year.
Getting there required the Celtics to dig deep and find a level of play they hadn’t shown much of in the first three contests, particularly in the critical moments in the second half. They had to improve dramatically on defense, be more trusting of each other on offense, and get improved play from their stars. They also needed some incredible luck after another late game collapse in Game 6 allowed Miami to erase a double-digit deficit to take the lead on three Jimmy Butler free throws with three seconds to play.
On their final possession, Derrick White saved the season with a ridiculous tip-in that left his fingertips with 0.1 on the clock, as he crashed the glass after Marcus Smart put up a spinning, fading three (that almost went down itself). So many things had to happen for that sequence to play out as it did, including Smart not passing to a wide open White in the corner after the initial inbound pass, which would’ve led to an open three, but far from a guarantee of a make. The ball had to spin out of the rim quickly enough and at exactly the right angle to pop into White’s hands so he could toss it off the glass and in before the buzzer.
There also needed to be enough time on the clock to allow for a miss and tip-in, which was only there because of the review on Al Horford’s (awful) foul on Jimmy Butler in the corner, where officials gave Butler the third free throw for having his feet behind the line, but also tacked on 0.9 seconds because they review for the first illegal contact on a foul, not when the whistle was actually blown, which happened with 3.0 seconds on the clock.
Without that extra second or the perfect spin out of the rim, White’s tip-in never has a chance and the Celtics are heading into the offseason off a horrible fourth quarter collapse and the Heat are headed to the Finals. We would spending today talking, again, about what changes might be on the horizon for Boston and whether running it back with this core is their best option, and previewing Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo vs. Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic.
Instead, the series is shifting back to Boston where the Celtics have a chance to make history as the first team to ever come back from a 3-0 deficit to win a series — and Butler and the Heat are staring at being on the wrong end of a trivia question forever. It is a reminder of how incredibly thin the margins can be come playoff time. White’s tip-in, pending what happens in Game 7, could join Kevin Durant’s foot being on the line as recent examples of playoff “What If?” moments that shift legacies and change how teams and players are discussed.
Durant’s toe meant Game 7 of the 2021 Eastern Conference Finals against the Bucks went to overtime, where Milwaukee won en route to a championship. In that Finals, Giannis Antetokounmpo shed all the questions about himself as a playoff performer, solidifying his legacy in the process. The Bucks, who somewhat ironically are making big changes this offseason because of losing in the first round to the Heat, might have made those changes two years ago instead had Durant kept his foot behind the line, with Giannis still chasing that elusive ring. It could’ve been Kevin Durant and the Nets that won a title, which might have meant their Big 3 with James Harden and Kyrie Irving doesn’t splinter the next season — and at the least, they are looked at far differently with a Finals appearance and possibly a ring for their troubles.
The ripple effect of these moments can be immense. In the immediate, Derrick White and the Celtics are simply happy to still be alive in this postseason, but his tip-in might be the difference in making this a legacy defining run for his star teammates rather than a failure that possibly led to major changes. Game 7 will determine whether White’s tip goes down in NBA Playoff lore or not, but if the Celtics finish the job, that 0.1 seconds will shift how we talk about three stars who weren’t even actively involved in the play itself — Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Jimmy Butler — and serve as a reminder of how fragile playoff legacies can be.
Robby Kalland
https://uproxx.com/dimemag/derrick-white-tip-in-kevin-durant-toe-line-playoff-what-ifs/
By: Robby Kalland
Title: Derrick White’s Tip-In Could Join Kevin Durant’s Toe On The Line As All-Time Playoff What Ifs
Sourced From: uproxx.com/dimemag/derrick-white-tip-in-kevin-durant-toe-line-playoff-what-ifs/
Published Date: 06-02-2023
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a buyout within the NBA?
A buyout in NBA refers to a contractual arrangement between a team (or player) and a team. The team agrees that it will pay a portion or all of the contract amount that the player is entitled to. This allows players to become free agents and sign with any other team in the league as soon as their buyout is complete. If necessary, it allows teams to cut salaries or adjust their roster composition.
Which NBA team has been the most successful?
The answer to this question is subjective and will likely be debated among fans for years. The Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers have 17 NBA championships each. In the 1990s, the Chicago Bulls won six titles under Hall of Fame coach Phil Jackson. The San Antonio Spurs won five championships in the last decade, while the Golden State Warriors took home four. Other notable teams from throughout NBA history include the Philadelphia 76ers of the early 1980s, the Kobe-Shaq Lakers of the 2000s, and LeBron James's Miami Heat team that won back-to-back championships in 2012 and 2013.
Which is the greatest free-throw shooter ever?
Many basketball fans disagree on the answer, but many agree that Stephen Curry, the Golden State Warriors' best free-throw shoter, is the most outstanding. This fantastic player set the record for most 3-point conversions in a season with an incredible 402.
Karl Malone currently holds record for most free shots made in a career with 9,787 successful attempts. At 13,188 attempts, he has attempted 74.20% of all free throws.
What does it take for a basketball superstar to reach the top?
To be a professional NBA star you need to put in a lot of effort and time. It takes years of hard work, physical conditioning, as well as skill development to become an NBA star. The average player spends between three and five year in college to perfect their skills before being eligible for the draft. Once they are drafted, players must perform well in the NBA. Doing so requires even more training and professional guidance from coaches and trainers. Ultimately, becoming an NBA superstar is not something that happens overnight or within a few short years. To achieve such honors, you need to be committed, dedicated, and patient. If you are determined and have the right mindset, you can achieve your goals and become a NBA Superstar!
Statistics
- An estimated 800 million viewers watched the [105]2017–18 season. (en.wikipedia.org)
- Meanwhile, the opening night rosters include a record-setting 234 players with some G League experience, according to the NBA ( Twitter link ). (hoopsrumors.com)
- "NBA first-round ratings drop 27 percent, 40 percent since 2017–18". (en.wikipedia.org)
- The 2013–14 season opened with 92 international players on the opening night rosters, representing 39 countries and over 20 percent of the league. (en.wikipedia.org)
- As of 2014, 45 percent of its viewers were black, while 40 percent were white, making it the only top North American sport that does not have a white majority audience.[102]As of 2017Democrats than Republicans.[103]Outside (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
nba.com
basketball-reference.com
- Thomas Bryant Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft Status and more | Basketball-Reference.com
- Dennis Schroder Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft Status and more | Basketball-Reference.com
bleacherreport.com
- Which NBA Teams Will Participate in the Victor Wembanyama-Tankathon?
- News Scores, Highlights Stats and Rumors
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How To
What compensation is offered to NBA players for being injured?
Guaranteed contracts allow NBA players to keep their money even if they are injured or unable to play. Some have even made millions of dollars without ever playing a single game. Although they might lose out on bonuses and their contract could be cancelled after expiration, they will still receive the full amount. Players with non-guaranteed contracts will not usually receive any payment until they become healthy enough to return to the NBA. The NBA can provide some assistance with disability payments or a lump sum settlement for those who qualify, but there is no guarantee of pay during an injury absence. Teams and the league can also help those who are in greatest need.
Teams can also provide some assistance through the Injury Disability Plan. It really depends on each person and the team's circumstances. In some cases, players may be allowed to bargain with their teams for some compensation during an injury absence. While there is no guarantee that players will receive payment if they are injured, the league and team can offer some assistance. Each situation should be considered as an individual. The NBA has extensive rules concerning injuries and payments in the event of injury absences. This can be helpful for players to make financial decisions or reach an agreement with teams. It is essential to consult with a professional if any questions or concerns arise.
