Dthe game that opened the series between the Miami Heat and Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals it was concluded that Miami had been better, but benefited from the non-appearance of Al Horford and Marcus Smart, key pieces in the ‘greens’. With them back and the slightest tiredness of the stars, the story has changed. A 102-127 to take the field factor, neutralize Jimmy Butler and return home with the first stone of his return to the finals.
Marcus Smart (24+9+12), Jaylen Brown (24+8+3) and Jayson Tatum (27+5+5) led the Celtics in a great game in which they scored 75 points. Fundamental for some Celtics that from the second quarter changed the tables of the game and the series, now traveling the Garden. Place where they are virtually impregnable in the Playoffs.
Tatum starred in Boston’s victory over Miami
An unusual defense
Despite the fact that the final result indicates a clear superiority of the visitors, Miami was hooked on the game. with less than 5′ played they ruled 18-8, with five points from Butler and a great triple from Strus that seemed to show that Spoelstra’s men were returning to where they had left off in ‘Game 1’. Boston reacted from the perimeter, with a triple by Tatum and an assist to Grant Williams in addition to a triple by Brown. Miami began to give ground to an intense and accurate defense, and it was 23-21 for Boston following a triple by Pritchard turned the tables. To this is added that Boston did not fail from the perimeter and in four minutes they were up eleven (35-24).
The game had changed and before the break it would be certified that the Celtics did not have the slightest intention of missing the opportunity to get the court factor. Tatum emerged with a 3-pointer, a basket in transition following a great pass from Smart, a steal, and a fast break with an assist to Pritchard. 19 up (47-28), with 8′ still to play. The Heat were KO, no triple goal Herro, Williams He stole fundamental rebounds from them, and Tatum killed once more until he reached 18 points at halftime. 67-45.
The game was broken and Marcus Smart’s form helped to open a gap. Fundamental in the two baskets, both in defense and with its efficiency in attack. Only Jimmy Butler, who chained several basket attacks, brought Miami back to life, reducing the difference by 20but Smart answered with a ‘crossover’ and triple (91-67), to which Tatum also joined from outside.
The ‘lace’ gave it, once more, Smart early in the fourth period, with another 3-pointer and shout that put Boston up 30. It was final, if all the previous ones had not been. The three great generators of Boston appeared and opened a new horizon for Boston. Defense and perimeter success, saint and be of the team. They take Miami and travel home with a smile on their face. These are the Celtics.
