Celtics Take Down Heat In Destroying Fashion to Tie Series

The Miami Heat were defeated in game two on Thursday night, 127-102 against the Boston Celtics. It was really a lopsided affair throughout and the Heat were outhustled in many aspects of the game. This was a huge win for Boston as it evens the series with games three and four coming up on their home court. In other words, this is right were head coach Ime Udoka wants his team to be.

Recap

Miami started with a 10 point lead early into the contest and the Celtics finally decided that enough was enough and the game was in their control the remainder of the way. Jayson Tatum did his thing once again scoring 27 points. He also had five rebounds and five assists and was 4-of-6 from three. Jaylen Brown also had a phenomenal night with 24 points and eight rebounds. He continues to be the high producing player that Boston needs him to be. Grant Williams also had a great night with 19 points.

The story for Boston was the crazy play out of Marcus Smart. Returning to the floor after an injury, Smart finished with 24 points, 12 assists, and nine rebounds, nearly recording a triple double. He had seven of his 12 assists at halftime and it was good to see him spread the ball around to keep the chemistry fresh late in the playoffs off an injury. The reigning defensive player of the year also recorded three steals on the night.

Statistically for Miami, Jimmy Butler continued to do his thing and once again led the game with 29 points. He also had six rebounds and three assists. After an explosive game one, Gabe Vincent put up another decent game with 14 points, three rebounds, and three assists. Victor Oladipo, who has been quiet this postseason, had a decent game while also finishing with 14 points. Nine of those points were free throws as he went 9-of-10 from the line. Tyler Herro also had a good night finishing with 11 points and three assists.

As for the Heat, it is tough to beat a team that shot above 50 percent from the field, even though they shot a decent 45 percent themselves. The great defense we have seen all year was torn apart and it gives head coach Erik Spoelstra and his squad something to evaluate before heading up north for game three.

The Celtics also shot an elite 50 percent from three. Meanwhile, Miami was just 29 percent from beyond the arc. Boston also shot 91 percent from the line and cashed in every time they were fouled. The Heat shot just 72 percent from the stripe and along with 15 turnovers, it was an off night offensively for the Heat and all that needs to be done is to throw this game out of the window heading to the garden.

“They made shots that they missed last game,” Jimmy Butler said. “That’s all it is. It’s gonna be hard to beat someone if they are shooting 50 percent from the field… They were the more physical team overall.”

Game three of the series will be Saturday, May 21, at 8:30 p.m. at TD Garden in Boston.