Boston Celtics one step away from breaking through in the Eastern Conference

After a huge Game 5 victory in Miami, the Boston Celtics are one step away from punching their ticket to the NBA Finals. 

Despite everything that has been stacked against the Boston Celtics this season, they’re now one win away from punching their ticket to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2010.

Thanks to a huge 13-point victory over the Miami Heat in Game 5 on the road, the Celtics will have two opportunities to close out the Heat, with the first of such coming at home in Game 6 on Friday night.

In this series alone, the Celtics have battled injury after injury and double-digit deficit after double-digit deficit. Still, Boston appears primed to clinch a spot in the NBA Finals – which will likely lead to a clash with the Golden State Warriors.

Marcus Smart is hobbling, Jayson Tatum can’t be 100 percent, and who knows what is happening with Robert Williams’ knee. Ime Udoka is going up against the “best coach in basketball” and the Heat has been a thorn in Boston’s side for the better part of the last decade in the postseason.

Boston is on the verge of breaking through all of that.

And, sure, the Heat are injured too. In fact, Tyler Herro hasn’t played in the last two games. Kyle Lowry has been a shell of himself and Jimmy Butler is playing on one knee – and that’s clear. Then again, which team isn’t battling injuries at this point in the postseason?

If it’s not clear by now, it will be soon. The Celtics have proven they are head and shoulders better than the Heat – or, the “healthier” team if you want to run with that narrative.

The Celtics are on the cusp of finally breaking through in the Eastern Conference. And it could be the start of a dominant stretch of Boston with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.