Jaylen Brown Leads Boston Celtics Offense in Win Over Miami Heat
The Boston Celtics defeated the Miami Heat in an impressive performance after their slow start. After Miami led 28-20 after the first quarter, the Celtics went on a 26-7 run to close out the first half, securing an eight point lead into halftime.
The Boston Celtics looked shockingly impressive during their second-quarter surge that saw them grab a stranglehold of the lead. They would never give up said lead, winning 112-93 over the young Miami Heat.
Coming into the contest, both teams had five losses, with the Heat having one more win with 15. The top of the Eastern Conference does figure fluctuate throughout the season, with the Bucks, 76ers, Heat, Celtics, and Raptors all fighting for playoff seeding. However, it was another earmark early-season win for the C’s at home/
The Boston Celtics went into this game without Marcus Smart (illness) and Gordon Hayward (hand), while the Heat were missing Goran Dragic (groin). Without Smart, the Celtics struggled to find heart and energy in the first quarter, as Grant Williams was inserted into the starting lineup, but failed to contribute much while on the floor early.
Smart’s role was instead filled by Jaylen Brown, who had perhaps his finest showing of the season. He scored 31 points on 10/20 from the field and 4/9 from the 3-point line. He showed no hesitation on the offensive end, either taking pull-up threes or driving aggressively to the basket. It looks like the payday Brown got this off season was an excellent decision by Danny Ainge. When teams are focused on Kemba Walker and Jayson Tatum, Brown has shown that can be a legitimare third option.
The second leading scorer for the Boston Celtics, Walker, also had an amazing performance. He finished with 28 points while shooting 6/11 from downtown to go along with seven assists. He showcased great chemistry with starting center Daniel Theis, either pulling up for 3 off a screen, or running the pick and roll leading to an easy bucket from Theis.
As for Jayson Tatum, he struggled again with his efficiency, finishing with only 19 points on 20 shots. However, he contributed five rebounds, three assists, and three blocks to have a well-rounded game. He also had a plus/minus of +31, the best on the team.
Daniel Theis had a solid game, scoring eight points while grabbing nine rebounds and three blocks. He has proven himself to be the best option at center on the team, being solid on defense while being able to finish around the rim. Grant Williams, the 5th starter in replacement of Marcus Smart, only recorded 18 minutes and had two points,three rebounds, and two assists. At this point in his career, Celtics fans can’t expect anything more from Williams on the offensive end.
Semi Ojeleye, Robert Williams, Carsen Edwards, and Brad Wanamaker all played more than 18 minutes, getting valuable defensive contributions from the bench. For Williams and Ojeleye, they combined for 8 points, 17 rebounds, and 2 steals. Ojeleye is becoming a better shooter from downtown, while Williams still has unique athleticism from someone of his size. As for Edwards and Wanamaker, they are both solid backup ball handlers and can hold their own on defense.
For the Heat, without head coach Erik Spoelstra and coming off a back-to-back that went into double overtime, the Heat came into TD Garden at a disadvantage. Jimmy Butler wasn’t effected like this, scoring 37 points on 12/18 from the field and 6/10 to go along with 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals. He showed up while the young Heat players didn’t.
Kendrick Nunn, Tyler Herro, Bam Adebayo, Duncan Robinson, Meyers Leonard, and Derrick Jones Jr. combined for only 34 points. After the first quarter, the Heat only scored 65 points, as the Celtics upped their defensive intensity, forcing Miami into difficult, contested shots.
Next. Tatum and Brown's success should be expected. dark
Even though the Heat came into this game with a disadvantage while the Boston Celtics were rested, the final result shows the Celtics can compete with the top teams in the Eastern Conference.
Boston welcomes the Denver Nuggets into TD Garden Friday night for their next game.