Celtics vs. Heat
After a very tough loss in game 1, many people expected the Celtics to bounce back and tie up the series. The Heat were ready to show everyone that they can continue to dominate in these playoffs by taking a 2-0 lead in this series.
This game started much like the second one, as both teams got off to very good starts and the score was close from the jump. Duncan Robinson started hitting some shots early after being ice cold in game 1. The Celtics knew how much they needed an advantage, and in the second quarter they began to build a lead. They were up by 13 by the end of the first half, and they needed to continue to play at a high level on both sides of the floor to keep the Heat off their game. The Celtics got a great bounce back game from Kemba Walker, 23 points, and solid production from Jayson Tatum, 21 points, and Jaylen Brown, 21 points. The Celtics had all 3 of their stars clicking, and yet the Heat started coming back in the third quarter. By the end of the third, the Celtics had blown their double digit lead and the Heat were up by 7. While the Celtics tried to mount a comeback, the Heat were able to close out the game and seal a victory. The Heat got a huge game from Goran Dragic, 25 points, and Bam Adebayo, 21 points, while Duncan Robinson, 6 three pointers made, was on fire from deep. The Heat did not need a huge game from Jimmy Butler, 14 points, because they had many offensive weapons that they could rely on and a very good defense.
The Celtics are now down 2-0 and they are in risk of elimination. Emotions are running high on the Celtics after yelling was heard from the Boston locker room, and the Celtics need to take this game 3 victory for the team chemistry and their hope of staying in the playoffs.
Final Score: MIA 1o6 BOS 101
Top Image: AP Images/ Mark J. Terrill