The newest NBA rivalry was just as feisty and fiery as ever on Sunday night, tensions flared but ultimately Boston came out on top for the third time this season, winning 110-106. The Heat were without Jimmy Butler, but still managed to put up quite the fight as Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro played excellently to fill the hole in the Heat roster. However, the firepower of the Celtics was just too much in the end, as Boston closed out yet another impressive win on the road.
As usual Boston dominated the early exchanges and showed exactly why they’re the best 1st quarter side in the NBA. Kristaps Porzingis in particular took over in the first period, scoring 11 points in just the opening quarter alone. He ended the game with 25 points and 9 rebounds in just 32 minutes of play, after missing the majority of the third quarter with an injury scare.
The Celtics’ early good play continued throughout the second quarter, and they were able to extend their lead up to 9 by the end of the half. Jrue Holiday has been on a hot streak from deep lately, and that continued against the heat. He hit consecutive threes midway through the second and finished with five made 3-pointers on six attempts. The stats back up just how well Holiday has been shooting the ball so far this season, as he leads the NBA in corner 3-point shot efficiency.
A stalemate ensued in the third quarter, but the Heat’s main guys did find a way to get themselves going offensively. Tyler Herro really started to heat up in the third period, he scored 12 points in quarter after scoring just two points in the first half. Miami however did lose former Celtics guard Terry Rozier to an injury in the third quarter which significantly impacted their backcourt play down the stretch.
Historically the Heat have always got the better of the Celtics in close games, that was not to be the case today. Although they did make Boston work for it, especially when Jaylen Brown was charged for a flagrant foul penalty 1 on Duncan Robinson (who made both free throws). Miami also made the most of their extra possession as Adebayo muscled his way to the basket, finished a layup and drew a foul from Derrick White. He converted the +1 but it wouldn’t matter as Brown and Porzingis combined for several clutch plays to drive Boston over the line in a 3rd win over the Heat this season.
After the game Jayson Tatum spoke about Boston’s rivalry with the Heat via ESPN: “Today was fun, we have a lot of history with this team. Last time we came here we smacked them so we knew it would be a closer game”... “They came to play, and we enjoy being part of games like that. Everybody’s being competitive”. The Celtics will play a home and away back-to-back against the Brooklyn Nets later this week as they look to head into the all-star break positively.
By Will C
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