Tatum Scores 33, Celtics Stave Off Elimination by Topping Heat 116–99 in Game 4

Boston Celtics players cheer during the second half of Game 4 during the NBA basketball playoffs Eastern Conference finals against the Miami Heat in Miami on May 23, 2023. Rebecca Blackwell/AP Photo

MIAMI—Down nine early in the third quarter, down 3–0 in the series, the Boston Celtics knew their season was completely on the brink.

Three minutes later, everything looked different.