Last Updated on September 11, 2024 by Mathew Diekhake
The rivalry between the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat has grown intense over the years, especially in the 2010s and 2020s. Here’s a timeline of key moments and matchups between the two teams:
1990s & Early 2000s
- During this period, the Boston Celtics were rebuilding and had little interaction with the Miami Heat, who had become a playoff contender under Pat Riley and Alonzo Mourning. They did not have any significant playoff matchups during this time, but both teams were regular season competitors.
2000s
- 2004-2005 Season:
The Miami Heat, with the emergence of Dwyane Wade and the addition of Shaquille O’Neal, became one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference. The Celtics, led by Paul Pierce, were competitive but not at the same level. No significant playoff matchups occurred yet between the two teams.
2010s – The “Big Three” Era
- 2010 NBA Playoffs (Eastern Conference First Round):
The rivalry began to heat up when the Celtics, led by their “Big Three” of Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen, faced the Miami Heat in the first round of the playoffs. The Celtics, who were one of the top teams in the East, won the series 4-1. The Heat were still a one-star team, led primarily by Dwyane Wade. - 2011 NBA Playoffs (Eastern Conference Semifinals):
The rivalry intensified after the Miami Heat formed their own “Big Three” with LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh. The Heat faced the Celtics in the second round of the playoffs. Miami defeated Boston 4-1, effectively ending the Celtics’ dominance in the East and cementing the Heat as the new power in the conference. - 2012 NBA Playoffs (Eastern Conference Finals):
This was one of the most memorable playoff series between the two teams. The Celtics, despite being the older and more injury-prone team, pushed the Heat to a dramatic seven-game series. The Celtics took a 3-2 series lead after Game 5, but LeBron James delivered one of the greatest performances of his career in Game 6, scoring 45 points in Boston to force a Game 7. Miami won the decisive Game 7 to advance to the NBA Finals, where they won their second championship in franchise history by defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder. - 2013 NBA Season:
The rivalry took a twist when Ray Allen left the Celtics in free agency and joined the Miami Heat. This caused friction between Allen and his former Celtics teammates, especially Garnett and Pierce, adding more fuel to the rivalry. The Heat went on to win the NBA title that season, while the Celtics began to dismantle their “Big Three.”
2020s – New Era of Competition
- 2020 NBA Playoffs (Eastern Conference Finals):
The rivalry reignited during the “NBA Bubble” in Orlando, where the Heat, led by Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo, faced the Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown-led Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals. The Heat won the series 4-2, advancing to the NBA Finals, where they lost to the Los Angeles Lakers. A key moment in this series was Bam Adebayo’s game-saving block on Jayson Tatum in Game 1, which set the tone for the series. - 2022 NBA Playoffs (Eastern Conference Finals):
In a highly anticipated rematch, the Celtics and Heat met again in the Eastern Conference Finals. The series went the full seven games, with both teams showcasing intense defense and clutch performances. The Celtics, led by Tatum and Brown, won Game 7 in Miami to advance to the NBA Finals, marking their first Finals appearance since 2010. The Heat, with Jimmy Butler playing exceptionally well, came within a missed three-pointer from potentially stealing Game 7. - 2023 NBA Playoffs (Eastern Conference Finals):
For the third time in four years, the Celtics and Heat met in the Eastern Conference Finals. This time, the Heat entered as the No. 8 seed after a turbulent season, while the Celtics were the No. 2 seed. The Heat shocked the NBA world by taking a 3-0 series lead. The Celtics rallied and won the next three games, forcing a historic Game 7 in Boston. However, the Heat responded with a dominant Game 7 win to advance to the NBA Finals, where they lost to the Denver Nuggets. Jimmy Butler and Caleb Martin were instrumental in the Heat’s victory.
Key Themes in the Rivalry:
- “Big Three” Battles: The rivalry peaked during the battles between the Celtics’ Big Three (Pierce, Garnett, Allen) and the Heat’s Big Three (LeBron, Wade, Bosh) from 2010 to 2013, with both teams fighting for Eastern Conference supremacy.
- Post-Big Three Era: The rivalry was reignited in the 2020s with the rise of the Celtics’ young core of Tatum and Brown and the Heat’s new star, Jimmy Butler. Their intense playoff series in 2020, 2022, and 2023 added new chapters to the rivalry.
- Historic Playoff Moments: From LeBron’s iconic Game 6 performance in 2012 to Bam Adebayo’s game-winning block in 2020, and the Celtics forcing a Game 7 in 2023 after being down 0-3, this rivalry has provided memorable moments for basketball fans.
The Boston Celtics vs. Miami Heat rivalry has evolved into one of the most intense and competitive rivalries in the NBA, marked by iconic playoff matchups and high-stakes drama.