In Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals, the Boston Celtics were no match for the Miami Heat. The Heat dominated from start to finish, winning by a score of 117-106 and taking a commanding 3-1 series lead.
The first half of the game was all Miami. Led by Goran Dragic and Jimmy Butler, the Heat were able to build a lead of as much as 20 points. Boston struggled to find their rhythm, with both Jayson Tatum and Kemba Walker having poor shooting nights. The Celtics trailed by 13 points at halftime, and the outlook was not good.
Things did not get any better for Boston in the second half. Although they were able to cut the lead to single digits at one point, the Heat never let the Celtics get any closer. Miami continued to hit shots and play great defense, while Boston struggled to get stops and claw their way back into the game.
One of the biggest factors in the Heat’s victory was their depth. Six players scored in double figures for Miami, including Dragic, Butler, Tyler Herro, and Jae Crowder. The Celtics, on the other hand, relied heavily on their starting lineup. Tatum, Walker, and Jaylen Brown combined for 68 of Boston’s 106 points, but they did not get much help from their bench.
Another key for Miami was their ability to get to the free-throw line. The Heat attempted 26 free throws in the game, compared to just 14 for the Celtics. This allowed Miami to score points even when their shots were not falling.
Overall, Game 3 was a sobering reminder for the Celtics that they are up against a tough opponent in the Miami Heat. While Boston has plenty of talent, they will need to play much better if they hope to avoid elimination in Game 5. The Heat, on the other hand, are firing on all cylinders and look like they are the team to beat in the Eastern Conference.