Miami defied the odds and stunned the Celtics by leveraging their 3-point shooting, connecting on a franchise-record 23 triples. Tyler Herro and Caleb Martin were the catalysts, combining for 11 3-pointers on 17 attempts. The Celtics, despite a valiant effort from Jaylen Brown (33 points) and Jayson Tatum (28 points), lacked the firepower to match Miami’s long-range dominance.
The Heat recognized the importance of shrinking the margin in 3-point attempts compared to Game 1. They executed this strategy effectively, attempting 19 shots from beyond the arc in the first quarter alone. Although they fell short of their ambitious goal of breaking the NBA’s single-game 3-point record, the Heat’s long-range shooting kept them competitive throughout the contest.
Tatum started the game with an impressive scoring surge, tallying 10 points in the first five minutes. However, the Celtics failed to capitalize on this momentum as Tatum was substituted out midway through the quarter. Boston’s lead evaporated during his absence, signaling a missed opportunity to establish a stronger foothold in the game.
Despite the Celtics’ struggles to contain Miami’s 3-point shooting, they showcased their ability to execute proper offensive plays. Tatum displayed his exceptional court vision by directing the ball to open teammates, leading to scoring opportunities.
However, the Celtics’ scoring balance was lacking in this game. Entering the fourth quarter, only Tatum and Brown had scored more than 7 points. This lack of offensive diversity made it challenging for Boston to keep pace with Miami’s consistent scoring output.
Game 3 of the series will be played in Miami on Saturday night, with the Heat aiming to seize home-court advantage and the Celtics determined to regain momentum. The Heat’s impressive 3-point shooting in Game 2 has sent a clear message that they are not to be underestimated, adding an intriguing layer to this captivating playoff matchup.
