In the ongoing NBA playoffs, the Boston Celtics have taken a commanding 2-1 lead over the Miami Heat following a decisive 104-84 victory in Game 3. The Celtics' impressive performance was marked by their strong defense and efficient offense.
The first quarter saw Boston grab an early lead, holding the Heat to just 12 points. This defensive effort was a significant improvement from their previous game, where Miami set a franchise playoff record with 23 three-pointers. In Game 3, the Heat managed only five successful three-point attempts out of their 28 attempts.
The Celtics' offense was equally impressive, with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown leading the charge. Both players scored 22 points each, while Kristaps Porzingis contributed 18 points and Derrick White added another 16. Boston shot an impressive 62.2% from inside the arc.
The Celtics' defense was a major factor in their victory, with Payton Pritchard playing a crucial role. His defensive skills disrupted Miami's ball handlers and prevented them from setting up plays efficiently.
Despite their strong performance, the Celtics are not taking anything for granted. They know that the Heat are capable of mounting a comeback and will be preparing accordingly for Game 4 on Monday at Kaseya Center.
Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra acknowledged his team's struggles in Game 3, attributing their loss to being outphysicaled by the Celtics. He expressed disappointment with his team's offensive flow and high turnover rate.
The Celtics are currently the favorites to win the series, but they know that complacency can be dangerous. They will be looking to build on their momentum and secure a 3-1 lead in Game 4.