Playoffs Day 29 As Boston Strikes Back! 9.19.20
It’s Day 29 of the NBA Playoffs and we have Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Heat and the Celtics.
It’s Day 29 of the NBA Playoffs and we have Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Heat and the Celtics.
Boston Celtics
The Celtics won Game 3 against the Heat. Here is what I thought about their performance.
The Celtics could very well be up 2-0 in this series against Miami, but they couldn’t close the Heat out. Now trailed 0-2 in the series, a Game 3 win was needed to keep their season alive. The Celtics would be getting Gordon Hayward back, who hasn’t played since Game 1 against Philadelphia back in August. And the Celtics looked much better with Hayward. The Celtics got off to another lead, and they this time they did a better job holding it. The Heat cut the lead to 5 in the 4th, but Boston pulled away to win 117-106, making it a 2-1 series.
Offensively the Celtics were great as they shot 48% from the field and 35% from 3. Boston was also 26/30 from the free throw line. The Celtics had 10 offensive rebounds. The Celtics turned the ball over 14 times. Boston also had 56 points down low.
Defensively the Celtics were great as Miami shot 39% from the field and 27% from 3. Miami was also 28/34 from the free throw line. Boston allowed 12 offensive rebounds. The Celtics forced 13 turnovers. The Celtics also allowed 36 points in the paint.
Jaylen Brown had 26 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists. Jayson Tatum had 25 points, 14 rebounds, and 8 assists. Kemba Walker had 21 points and 6 rebounds. Marcus Smart added 20 points and 6 assists.
Conclusion
The Celtics got a much needed win as they just executed. They got another great 1st half and they were able to hold their lead for much longer. Their defense was stellar as Jimmy Butler and Goran Dragic never got going. Although Hayward scored just 6 points, you could see his impact. He really helped out the bench unit and will be very helpful to Boston for the rest of the series. Now the Celtics have to win Game 4 in order to tie this series 2-2 and make it a much tighter series.
Miami Heat
The Heat lost Game 3 against the Celtics. Here is what I thought about their performance.
After winning the first two games after trailing by double-digits in both of them, the Heat found themselves up 2-0 and with a Game 3 win, a chance to essentially end the series. It would be tough now that Gordon Hayward was back in the lineup, but the Heat were still going to be competitive. But Miami’s defense couldn’t slow down Boston as they led for almost the entire game. The Heat managed to cut the lead to 5 late in the 4th, but it was too little too late. Boston won 117-106, and the Heat lead 2-1 in the series.
Offensively the Heat were poor as they shot 39% from the field and 27% from 3. Miami was also 28/34 from the free throw line. The Heat had 12 offensive rebounds. Miami had 13 turnovers. Miami had just 36 points down low.
Defensively the Heat were poor as Boston shot 49% from the field and 35% from 3. The Celtics were also 26/30 from the free throw line. The Heat allowed 10 offensive rebounds. Miami forced 14 turnovers. Miami also allowed 56 points in the paint.
Bam Adebayo had 27 points and 16 rebounds. Tyler Herro had 22 points off the bench. Jimmy Butler had 17 points and 8 rebounds. Duncan Robinson, Jae Crowder, and Goran Dragic were also in double-figures.
Conclusion
The Heat didn’t play great in this game, at either end. Their offense wasn’t as good as it had been without Dragic or Butler really getting going. Herro was hot early but not late and nobody was hitting 3’s. Their defense didn’t let them stay in the game as they allowed 4 guys to score 20+ points. The Heat still lead 2-1 in the series, however they will have to play much better in Game 4 in order to win.
What Are Your Thoughts From Day 29? Leave A Comment Down Below!
Follow My Instagram To Never Miss A Post: @hoopnotions
