This trend should make Celtics fans confident entering Game 6 vs. Heat

This trend should make Celtics fans confident entering Game 6 vs. Heat originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

Going on the road and facing elimination from the playoffs is typically a very hard challenge for any NBA team, including the Boston Celtics. In fact, during a 40-year span from 1981 through 2021, the Celtics had a 5-11 record facing elimination on the road, and three of those five wins came in the 1980s.

But the last two postseasons have seen the Celtics rise to the challenge in those types of must-win situations.

The Celtics have won four consecutive road games when facing elimination — one short of the team record when they won five straight from 1968 through 1974. The C’s will have an opportunity to extend their current streak to five games Saturday night when they go down to Miami for Game 6 of the 2023 Eastern Conference Finals versus the Heat.

Celtics Talk POSTGAME POD: Celtics become only 15th NBA team to force Game 6 when down 3-0 | Listen & Subscribe

Boston trailed 0-3 in this series but has won the last two games, including a 110-97 victory in Thursday night’s Game 5 at TD Garden. The Celtics already staved off elimination in Game 4 of the series in Miami. They’ve also won four of their last six playoff games in Miami beginning with last season’s conference finals matchup.

Here’s a look at the Celtics’ playoff winning streak when facing elimination on the road:

• 2023 ECF Game 4 at Miami: The Celtics avoided a sweep by outscoring the Heat 66-43 in the second half.

• 2023 ECSF Game 6 at Philadelphia: Jayson Tatum scored 16 fourth-quarter points to help Boston force a Game 7.

• 2022 ECF Game 7 at Miami: The Celtics held off a late Heat comeback attempt to reach the NBA Finals for the first time since 2010.

• 2022 ECSF Game 6 at Milwaukee: Jayson Tatum scored 46 points in arguably the most impressive performance of his career.

What has allowed the Celtics to go into difficult road environments and give stellar performances with their season on the line?

“I feel…