Celtics Gain Momentum, Take 2-1 Series Lead Over Miami Heat
Photo Credit: Wilfredo Lee, Associated Press Photo
In a complete turnaround from the hot shooting from Miami in Game Two of the teams’ respective series, the Boston Celtics(64-18) beat the Miami Heat(46-36) by a score of 104-84, according to ESPN. The blowout demonstrated an important point- since Miami is unable to cash in 23 threes on a nightly basis, one below average shooting night could mean a blowout by Joe Mazzulla’s squad.
To elaborate on the point, only one of Miami’s starters(Bam Adebayo) was able to contribute 20 points to the team, though three of the remaining four starters contributed more than 10 points, according to Pro Basketball Reference. Though Miami shot 53.5% from the three point line in Game Two, making 23 of their 43 attempts, that percentage decreased drastically to 32.1% in Game Three, as Miami was only able to convert nine of their 28 attempts from the three point line.
Photo Credit: Jim Rassol, USA TODAY Sports
Adding insult to injury, the Heat as a team combined for 12 turnovers, a monumental difference compared to the Celtics’ five turnovers. The absence of Jimmy Butler is making itself known for the Heat squad, seeing as the Heat bench was only able to put up 17 points combined, according to Pro Basketball Reference. If Miami is to contend against the top team in the East, Erik Spoelstra is going to have to urge his team to have a more all-around performance, from both his starters and his bench.
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While Miami struggled offensively, the same cannot be said for the Boston Celtics. Both Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum added 22 points to the Celtics’ total team score, while Derrick White and Kristaps Porzingis were able to pour in 16 and 18 points, respectively, for their team. Though Jrue Holiday was unable to break double-digits offensively, his six assists, one steal, and two blocks prove the guard’s perfect defensive fit within the Celtics’ system.
Photo Credit: Jim Rassol, USA TODAY Sports
Though the Celtics were able to lean on the Heat’s inconsistent shooting to take Game Three of the first-round matchup, the Celtics are going to have to expect more from Tatum and Brown if they are to comfortably win four games against the Heat and advance in the Playoffs.
Though Miami wasn’t able to capture their first game at home, Tyler Herro and company have another shot to defend home court in Game Four against the Celtics.
