Celtics guard Malcolm Brogdon was cleared to play in Monday’s Game 7 after missing Game 6 due to a right forearm injury.
Brogdon reportedly hurt his arm in Game 1 of this series and suffered a partial tear in a tendon leading from his right elbow leading to his forearm. He participated in shootaround on Monday without the black arm sleeve he’s been wearing and looked much better than he did when he last did in Game 5, when he had to exit the game in the second half.
“I trust him and if he’s healthy, he’ll be a great spark for us,” Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla said.
Before shifting their focus to Game 7, the Celtics made sure they appreciated a legendary moment in Game 6 on Saturday night in Miami, where Derrick White’s miraculous buzzer-beating tip-in allowed them to see another day.
“I think I took time in the locker room after the game to obviously settle in with the team but we have an understanding that we have to shift our perspective,” Mazzulla said
“So, I think the guys have done that and they are ready to go.”
Caleb Martin’s impact in the East finals was heavily felt as he scored 18.2 points per game on 46.2 percent shooting from 3-point range in the first six games of the series, including a monster performance in Game 6 when he scored 21 points on four 3-pointers and added 15 rebounds. The C’s continued to lose him beyond the 3-point line and he made them pay.
Martin’s performances led to Heat coach Erik Spoelstra’s decision to put him in the starting lineup for Game 6. It gave them a different look, which Mazzulla believes is common in these series.
“I definitely think it’s because a series can be long,” Mazzulla said. “When you play the same team, you want to give different looks and change the rhythm of the series and change your team.
“So yeah, I do think that’s part of it, and they are able to switch more. They are able to be more physical. They are able to be more athletic, and it gives them another guy that can make shots and put the ball on the floor.”
Paul Pierce was among a handful of special guests in the building for Game 7. The Celtics legend, who was also in attendance for Game 5, made an appearance courtside more than 30 minutes before tip and walked out to mid-court to hype up the crowd. Former Celtics players Isaiah Thomas and Rajon Rondo were also at the Garden.