The Boston Celtics and Miami Heat have developed a fierce postseason rivalry in recent years, with their matchups often carrying high stakes. When asked about this dynamic during a pre-game press conference before their Monday regular-season meeting, Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla downplayed the focus on just one rivalry, emphasizing the importance of every game:
“I would like to consider every game a rivalry. Every single game is an opportunity to win, to take advantage of your opponent, to win the margin. So I’d like to think that they all are.”
The Celtics-Heat Rivalry
This rivalry has intensified in the 2020s, rooted in high-profile playoff battles:
- 2020 Eastern Conference Finals: The Heat, led by Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo, defeated the Celtics and advanced to the NBA Finals, where they lost to the Lakers.
- 2022 Eastern Conference Finals: Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown led the Celtics past Miami in a seven-game series to reach the NBA Finals, though they fell short against the Golden State Warriors.
- 2023 Eastern Conference Finals: The Heat, as an eighth seed, stunned the Celtics in another seven-game series, with Butler once again the driving force. Miami advanced to face the Denver Nuggets in the Finals.
- 2024 First Round: In a role reversal, the Celtics dominated the Heat, overcoming their longtime playoff nemesis on their way to capturing their record-breaking 18th NBA championship.
A Rivalry Renewed
The Celtics’ victory in the 2024 playoffs was particularly meaningful, as it marked the first time Boston definitively got past Miami without lingering questions about their dominance. The teams’ frequent postseason clashes have added layers of intensity to their regular-season meetings, turning any Celtics-Heat game into a marquee event for fans.
Looking Ahead
As long as core players like Tatum, Brown, Butler, and Adebayo remain with their respective teams, the Celtics-Heat rivalry seems poised to continue delivering thrilling matchups. While Mazzulla seeks to treat every game as an opportunity, the history between these two franchises ensures an extra level of intrigue whenever they meet.
