Boston Celtics v Miami Heat (Heat lead 2-0)
Game three was the first must-win game for the Celtics. In each of the two previous games, the Celtics had come out with the lead just to blow it. The Celtics finally held onto the lead and were able to defend against a late rally the Heat had in the fourth quarter. The Celtics won 117-106 to put this series at 2-1.
The Heat still got a massive performance from C Bam Adebayo (10-14FG 7-9FT 27PTS 16REB 1AST 3STL 2BLk 3TO 38MIN). His excellent playoff show has continued through this series. When next season starts, he may be the best big man in the Eastern Conference. G Goran Dragic (11PTS 2-10FG), who had been essential for the Heat, was completely shut down by the Celtics backcourt defense.
The Celtics defense was the reason they were able to take game three. They held the Heat to 38% shooting overall and were even stingier with their three-point defense, holding the Heat to 27% from behind the arc. The Celtics, who usually have a big three going, had a big four (Jayson Tatum 25PTS, Kemba Walker 21PTS, Marcus Smart 20PTS, and Jaylen Brown 26PTS) who led the way.
The Celtics dodged the 0-3 kiss of death and now have some heat off their back. The Heat got a full game from the Celtics, and it will be interesting to see how they handle this loss going into game four.