The Miami Heat tied their first-round playoff series with the Boston Celtics at one game apiece with a 111-101 victory in Game 2 on Wednesday night. Tyler Herro led the way for Miami with 24 points and 14 assists, while Bam Adebayo added 21 points and 10 rebounds. The Heat shot a blistering 53.5% from beyond the arc, making a franchise playoff-record 23 3-pointers. Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with 33 points, while Jayson Tatum added 28.
In a stunning Game 2 performance, Tyler Herro led the Miami Heat to a 111-101 victory over the Boston Celtics, tying the first-round series 1-1. Herro’s six three-pointers, 24 points, and 14 assists propelled the Heat, who also set a franchise record with 23 three-pointers made. Despite the absence of Jimmy Butler and Terry Rozier, Miami’s strong three-point shooting, including a clutch shot from Caleb Martin over Jaylen Brown, proved too much for the Celtics. Bam Adebayo also contributed significantly to the Heat’s success, benefiting from Herro’s impressive playmaking. Now, the Celtics face the challenge of regaining home-court advantage against a Heat team that has a history of upsetting higher-seeded opponents.
In a rematch of last season’s Eastern Finals, the Miami Heat defeated the Boston Celtics 111-101 in Game 2 at TD Garden on Wednesday. Led by a barrage of 3-pointers, the Heat took advantage of the Celtics’ cold shooting in the third quarter to build a lead that Boston could not overcome. The series is now tied 1-1 and shifts to Miami for the next two games.
Amidst the struggles of the Lakers’ supporting cast against the Denver Nuggets, fans are calling for 21-year-old Max Christie to be given a chance in the rotation. Despite limited playing time during the regular season, Christie has shown potential with his defense, scoring ability, and all-around play. With their lack of experience and poor performance, Spencer Dinwiddie and Gabe Vincent have drawn the ire of fans, while injuries to Jarred Vanderbilt and Christian Wood further deplete LA’s depth. Christie’s ability to defend multiple positions and make plays when needed could prove valuable against the Nuggets’ dangerous guards and wings. As the Lakers search for solutions to their struggles, Christie deserves an opportunity to show what he can do in a playoff environment.
In January, the Indiana Pacers acquired Pascal Siakam from the Toronto Raptors. Since joining the team, Siakam has been a key contributor, helping the Pacers clinch the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference. In the playoffs, Siakam has elevated his game, averaging 36.5 points, 12 rebounds, and 4 assists per game while shooting 64.6 percent from the field and 50 percent from the three-point line.
Siakam’s success is due in part to the Pacers’ offense, which has allowed him to thrive. Additionally, the Bucks’ lack of defense has given Siakam an advantage. With Giannis Antetokounmpo out of the lineup, the Bucks have struggled to contain Siakam, who has taken advantage of the opportunity to lead the Pacers on offense.
Siakam’s experience and poise have also been key factors in his success. He is a player who doesn’t get rattled and plays the game at his own pace. This has allowed him to continue playing at a high level against the Bucks, even in the absence of Antetokounmpo.
Luka Doncic’s impressive season has earned praise from analysts, with FS2’s Skip Bayless highlighting his significant improvements in three-point and free-throw shooting. Doncic has shown a higher shooting percentage from beyond the arc (38.4%) and the free-throw line (80%), showcasing his expanded offensive capabilities. This improved form has complemented his partnership with Kyrie Irving, leading the Mavericks to 13 wins in their last 15 games together.
Boston Celtics shooting guard Jaylen Brown showcased his determination in Game 2 of the first round of the playoffs against the Miami Heat. In a crucial 11-3 run at the end of the second quarter, Brown single-handedly scored every point, including a pivotal steal and layup. His impressive performance contributed to the Celtics’ 61-58 halftime lead. Through the first two quarters, Brown had amassed 21 points, five rebounds, and one assist on 9-of-15 shooting.
The Los Angeles Lakers will face the reigning champion Denver Nuggets in Game 3 of their Western Conference first-round playoff series on Thursday, seeking to level the series after losing the first two games in Denver. The Nuggets showcased their championship experience in Game 2, overcoming a 20-point deficit to secure a 101-99 victory, with Jamal Murray’s buzzer-beating jumper sealing the win. Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with a triple-double, while Murray and Michael Porter Jr. contributed significant scoring. Despite LeBron James’ 26 points and 12 assists, the Lakers struggled in the fourth quarter, allowing the Nuggets to pull away for the win. Los Angeles will aim to protect their home court advantage in Game 3 and regain momentum in the series.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have announced that forward Dean Wade will miss the rest of their first-round playoff series against the Orlando Magic due to a right knee sprain. Wade, a fifth-year player who has been a key defensive contributor for the Cavs, has not played since March 13. He is undergoing daily rehab but has no definitive timeline for his return. Isaac Okoro and Georges Niang are expected to continue seeing increased playing time in Wade’s absence.
The Minnesota Timberwolves have been a force to be reckoned with this season, led by All-Star duo Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns. The Timberwolves have now taken a 2-0 lead over the Phoenix Suns in their playoff series, with Edwards putting up another dominant performance in Game 2. The All-Star shooting guard claims that he and Towns are the NBA’s best duo this season, and their on-court chemistry and impact on the franchise cannot be denied.
