Tyler Herro orchestrated a remarkable offensive display as the Miami Heat stormed back to tie their first-round playoff series with the Boston Celtics 1-1 on Wednesday night at the TD Garden. Herro exploded for 24 points and dished out 14 assists, connecting on six of Miami’s record-setting 23 3-pointers. The Heat’s long-range barrage shattered their previous playoff high of 20 treys, established against the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2021 first round.
Bam Adebayo provided a formidable presence in the paint with 21 points and 10 rebounds, while Caleb Martin, who has emerged as a thorn in the Celtics’ side, matched Adebayo’s scoring output. Miami’s exceptional 53.5% shooting from downtown proved pivotal in overcoming Boston’s early momentum.
Jaylen Brown spearheaded the Celtics’ attack with 33 points, but Jayson Tatum’s 28-point performance was overshadowed by the Heat’s relentless 3-point barrage. Martin’s physical play had drawn attention following a hard foul on Tatum in Game 1, but the Celtics star showed no signs of lingering effects, recording 14 points in the opening quarter.
The Celtics, who enjoyed home-court advantage throughout the playoffs after securing 64 regular-season wins, struggled to capitalize on the support of their boisterous crowd. Miami’s 10-0 run late in the third quarter proved decisive, extending their lead to 82-70. Boston managed to narrow the deficit to six points with three minutes remaining, but Martin’s timely 3-pointer extinguished any hopes of a Celtics comeback.
The series now shifts to Miami for Games 3 and 4 on Saturday and Monday. The Heat, who required a play-in win to qualify for the playoffs, have proven that they are not to be underestimated as they aim to challenge the top-seeded Celtics.
