The Boston Celtics faced a stern test in their Eastern Conference opening-round playoff series against the eighth-seeded Miami Heat, losing Game 2 at home 111-101. Despite the Heat missing key players Jimmy Butler and Terry Rozier, Miami made key adjustments and set a franchise playoff record with 23 made 3-pointers.
The Heat’s offensive strategy revolved around launching 3-pointers from all angles, understanding that this would be their best chance to upset the Celtics. Their barrage proved effective, as they connected on 23 of 43 attempts. On the defensive end, Miami employed a swarming strategy to push Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis away from the hoop. This strategy, coupled with their size disadvantage, resulted in Porzingis shooting just 1 for 9, with many of his potential opportunities erased by batted balls.
While the Celtics trailed by just 9 points early in the fourth quarter, they were unable to sustain a run. Miami’s 3-point shooting, led by Caleb Martin, Jaime Jaquez, and Tyler Herro, proved too much to overcome. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, who combined for 61 points, did not receive enough support from their teammates.
The Celtics now head to Miami for Game 3, facing pressure to avoid falling into a deeper hole in the series. They will need to find a way to stop the Heat’s historic shooting performance and adjust to their swarming defense, particularly in regard to Porzingis’s isolation.
Coach Joe Mazzulla acknowledged that there will be ups and downs throughout the playoffs, but emphasized the importance of learning from their mistakes and improving upon their weaknesses. The Celtics will have to make adjustments to their strategy and execution to regain control of the series against a determined Heat team that has proven to be a formidable opponent despite their injuries.
