2020 ECF: (3) Boston vs. (5) Miami

[Lamrock]

First time we've seen a 3 vs 5 series since the 2007 WCF if I'm not mistaken. Now that I've lost your attention, Celtics in 7.

This should be a hell of a series. Miami has been arguably the most dominant team in the post-season, but the Celtics arguably have the more talented roster. Even though I wasn't rooting for either team in their second round series, I'm really excited for this one.

[[Q]]

Jimmy Buckets wills the Heat to win in 6

[Andrew]

My head says Celtics in 6 or 7, but since picking something else in the poll worked in the Celtics' previous series, just for fun I'm going to say Heat in 5. And actually match the poll vote with my posted prediction this time.

[[Q]]

I just read it's the first time the 1 and 2 seeds didn't make it to the ECF

[Andrew]

That's crazy. That's a long streak of at least one of the top two seeds to make it through to the Conference Finals. You'd think there'd have been an upset/choke-job before now. Of course, these are unusual circumstances, and the way teams are seeded has changed over the years, too.

[Lamrock]

I remember when the Clippers intentionally tanked to get the 6 seed because finishing 5th meant playing the 60 win Mavs and finishing 4th meant playing the 43 win Nuggets. Personally I thought guaranteeing a top 4 seed to division winners was still a good idea since division titles are now completely meaningless but that's not a popular opinion and is also completely off topic.

It's hard to see either of these teams beating whichever LA team makes the finals, but I'm stoked to see what happens. Shame it doesn't start til Tuesday

[NovU]

The most fun Heat team since the trio.

The rookies have been amazing. Herro and Duncan takes turn having a great game while Butler leads the team like truly unselfish leader that he is.

Heat vs Lakers finals is best fans could wish for.

[[Q]]

That block by Bam was one of the most incredible moments I have ever seen. I will remember that for a very long time

[Andrew]

It reminded me of some of the blocks Alonzo Mourning would get.

[Murat]

Jimmy Butler took reign in Eastern Conference after the departure of LeBron. They are up 2-0 now. Their team is perfectly balanced; a superstar candidate with taking over only when necessary, a defensive anchor All-Star, explosive young talents and title winning experienced players. A real championship candidate, underestimated unfortunately. The Winslow-Iguodala trade worked very well here I think.

Wonder if they win the series at all.

[Andrew]

It's been an impressive run for them so far. Whatever happens from here, the fact that they're the final team with an unblemished record in this postseason and they're in the Conference Finals is noteworthy, and a sign that a lot of people (and again, I have to put my hand up here too) overlooked and underrated them.

[Jeffx]

Jimmy Butler took reign in Eastern Conference after the departure of LeBron. They are up 2-0 now. Their team is perfectly balanced; a superstar candidate with taking over only when necessary, a defensive anchor All-Star, explosive young talents and title winning experienced players. A real championship candidate, underestimated unfortunately. The Winslow-Iguodala trade worked very well here I think.

Wonder if they win the series at all.

Maybe Jimmy Butler is a pain in the ass to deal with, but he saw something in Miami's culture that he didn't see in Minnesota and Philly.

[Andrew]

As you've pointed out before Jeffx, it speaks to Pat Riley's brilliance. Credit has to go to Spoelstra as well.

[Jeffx]

As you've pointed out before Jeffx, it speaks to Pat Riley's brilliance. Credit has to go to Spoelstra as well.

They have "dawgs" on that Miami roster, and that's who Jimmy B wants to play with...who saw this in Tyler Herro???? That cat's playing like he's been there before!

[NovU]

How many times 5th seed made to the Finals and won? This is gonna be fun tomorrow and actually make it to finals tomorrow and give Lakers their run for the money.


I may not be the Heat fan that I used to be but these kids are surely fun to watch especially with Dragic and Butler guiding them.

[Andrew]

Never a fifth seed, but the Celtics won it as the fourth seed in 1969, and the Rockets won it as the sixth seed in 1995. The Knicks became the first eighth seed to make the Finals in 1999, but lost 4-1 to the Spurs. If we're talking Finals appearances, the 1981 Rockets made it as the sixth seed (losing to Larry Bird and the Celtics in six games). The 1977 Trail Blazers won as the third seed, which obviously isn't quite as much of an underdog, but it was still an impressive run that included a victory over the favoured 76ers with Dr J in the Finals.

[Jeffx]

The 1977 Trail Blazers won as the third seed, which obviously isn't quite as much of an underdog, but it was still an impressive run that included a victory over the favoured 76ers with Dr J in the Finals.

And they nearly lost in the first round (best 2 of 3) to the Bulls. That Chicago team was tough, physical and Gilmore gave Walton fits.