After a hard-fought Game 7 win in the Eastern Conference Semifinals against Milwaukee, the Boston Celtics made a quick turnaround and headed to Miami. The Eastern Conference Finals began with a Tuesday night bout and, at the start of the game, Boston looked solid on both ends of the floor.
Even without Al Horford out due to Health and Safety Protocols and Marcus smart sidelined with a foot injury, the C’s held the lead at the half.
This was thanks to an excellent first-half performance from Jayson Tatum. Payton Pritchard was efficient off the bench as well.
In Smart’s absence, Derrick White drew the second start of this postseason. White was once again inefficient, finishing the game with just three points.
Aaron Nesmith and Payton Pritchard saw an increase in their minutes with the shamrocks being shorthanded. Nesmith shined defensively with three blocks and one steal. The defensive play of the night came when the former first-round pick swatted a Caleb Martin dunk attempt:
Aaron Nesmith with a BIG block 🚫 pic.twitter.com/r5vGXukhYX
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) May 18, 2022
Even with a couple of their younger guys stepping up, the C’s could not hold off the top-seeded Heat for long. The third quarter woes continued for Boston as they not only struggled to score but struggled to pass and defend.
The quarter was a total collapse for Ime Udoka’s squad.
Miami outscored Boston 39-14 in the period, but the road team outscored the Heat in the other three quarters. Even with a putrid stretch, the C’s were still solid in the other 36 minutes, which should give green teamers some hope.
Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown let the lead slip away with their sloppy passing and ball handling. JT had seven of Boston’s sixteen turnovers on Tuesday Night.
As Game 2 approaches, there are plenty of improvements for the Boston Celtics to make. They may have some help, as Marcus Smart was listed as probable on Wednesday night’s injury report.
Sadly, Al Horford is listed as doubtful as he remains in Health and Safety Protocols.
Miami’s starting backcourt of Max Strus and Gabe Vincent are both listed as game-time decisions with minor ailments. Kyle Lowry has been ruled out once again as he works his way back from a hamstring injury.
Game 2 is a huge night for the Celtics as they do not want to return home trailing two games to none. In order to tie the series at one apiece, they must hone in on these 3 keys: