The Boston Celtics had a chance to close things out and book their ticket to the NBA Finals on Friday, but they failed to do so as Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat managed to force a Game 7, winning 111-103. It's unfortunate the C's couldn't get it done in front of their home fans, but Ime Udoka's squad should be feeling extremely confident heading into Sunday's do-or-die contest because of how they've played throughout this hopeful run to the Finals.

Here are 3 reasons why.

3 reasons the Celtics will beat the Heat in Game 7

3. The Celtics are the most resilient team in the postseason

What makes a good team is the ability to bounce back after a loss. The Celtics have been doing that throughout these entire playoffs, going 5-0 in games after losing. Boston didn't play that badly in Game 6 by any means but there wasn't a lot of help for Jayson Tatum. However, they always flush out the bad results and come back even stronger next time out.

The fact that the Celtics haven't dropped back-to-back games in the postseason is a very positive sign ahead of Sunday. On the road or at home, this team always shows up and corrects its mistakes. Look at what Boston did to the defending champion Bucks in Game 7 of the last round. There is the evidence.  Expect a similar outcome in South Beach, with Tatum leading the way.

2. Jayson Tatum

Tatum is absolutely thriving in the playoffs, averaging 27.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists. But, he's also putting up 32.6 points per night in games after a loss. The true definition of a superstar. When the Celtics need him most, Tatum delivers with clutch moment after clutch moment. The former Duke star has put himself in the conversation as a top-5 player in the Association after what he's managed to accomplish in this postseason run. When the pressure is on, Tatum runs towards it.

The Celtics will need everyone to be at their best in Game 7. Jaylen Brown has to step up alongside Tatum, but it comes down to their franchise star showing out at the highest level he can. There is zero doubt he'll do so too. Expect the All-Star to have a game for the ages and be the focal point of Boston's victory.

1. C's defense will stifle inconsistent Heat

Miami hasn't won two games in a row in this series. While that comes down to their lack of offensive consistency, the Boston defense is also phenomenal. Friday was a different story with the Heat shooting 43% from deep and a lot of the rotation chipping in, but that's more reason for the Celtics to bounce back in a big way. We're talking about the best defensive team in the league with DPOY Marcus Smart leading the charge. Udoka will be preaching defense after the crushing loss and the C's are going to be poised to lock it down on Sunday. Plus, Miami just isn't able to replicate their offensive production on a nightly basis. the Celtics defense will be at their best and play a massive part in winning the series-clinching Game 7.