MIAMI -- In late January, the San Antonio Spurs traded backup guard Bryn Forbes to the Denver Nuggets. Five months later, that unassuming move has made a major impact on the 2022 Eastern Conference finals.
It was the opening of an opportunity for the Boston Celtics that has been fully realized as they have pushed the Miami Heat to the brink after a 93-80 Game 5 win Wednesday and a 3-2 series lead.
It had been eight years since the Spurs were willing to work a midseason trade and the Celtics held a minor part in it, acting as the third team in the deal.