In a tough fought contest, the Boston Celtics dropped their fifth recreation of the yr, dropping to the Miami Heat by a rating of 120-116, and transferring to 18-5 on the season. Jaylen Brown did his greatest to hold the group, however a excessive turnover recreation noticed the Celtics get in their very own manner.
Whereas the Celtics’ offense was a bit subpar (33.3% 3PT), their capturing was removed from the most important concern. Boston turned the ball over 20 occasions, resulting in 21 factors for the Warmth. It was the eighth time in 10 video games that the Celtics have turned the ball over not less than 14 occasions, and the fourth time within the final 10 with not less than 16 turnovers.
Regardless of their struggles, nevertheless, Brown got here by means of when it mattered most. He ended the evening with a game-high 37 factors to go together with 14 rebounds and 5 assists. His dominant efficiency coated a comparatively gradual evening for Jayson Tatum, who solely managed to place up 14 factors, 12 rebounds, and three assists.
The 2 stars went toe-to-toe with Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler, who led the way in which for Miami. In his first recreation again since November 16, Butler dropped 25 factors, 15 rebounds, and three assists, nevertheless it was Adebayo who completed the evening because the Warmth’s scoring chief. He had 28 factors, paired alongside his seven rebounds and three assists. Tyler Herro (26 factors) and Kyle Lowry (20 factors) chipped in with 20-point video games, too.
Brown’s huge time double-double carried Boston on this one, however double-digit performances from Marcus Sensible (18 factors, 9 assists), Derrick White (13 factors), and Grant Williams (18 factors) helped out alongside the way in which.
Boston and Miami weren’t the one events concerned in Friday evening’s affairs. The referees made certain to make their presence identified, as there have been 42 whole fouls known as on the evening. Each groups picked up delay-of-game warnings earlier than the sport even tipped off, and that ought to have been taken as an indication of issues to return. Everybody on each side, from the gamers to the coaches, appeared pissed off with the officiating.
A robust third quarter had the Celtics in a great place, however within the early levels of the fourth, the Warmth have been capable of tie issues up once more, establishing for a tightly contested end. Boston’s turnovers have been the primary concern that led to Miami’s run. However simply when the Celtics appeared to be out of luck, Brown nailed an absurd three-point shot to ship the sport to extra time.
Boston’s famous person duo led the way in which in extra time, with Brown persevering with his wonderful efficiency and Tatum trying to shake off the rust. They dueled with Butler and Adebayo, however ultimately, it was Butler who obtained the final giggle. He made a troublesome fadeaway to assist the Warmth shut the sport out, identical to the one he hit close to the tip of regulation. The veteran famous person returned from damage and helped take down the NBA’s Goliath.
With the loss, the Celtics dropped to 2-1 in opposition to the Warmth this season. It marks their first loss at residence since October 28 in opposition to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Now, they’ll head out on a six-game street journey. Their subsequent recreation will likely be on Sunday, December 4, in opposition to the Brooklyn Nets. That recreation suggestions off at 6:00 p.m. Jap time.
