Boston Celtics: 3 keys to winning Game 2 against Miami

Boston Celtics key to victory No. 2) Slow down Jimmy Butler

Jimmy Butler has been considered an elite player in the NBA for quite some time. When the postseason comes, the wing elevates his game to legendary.

Game 1 saw another otherworldly performance by the perennial All-Star. Jimmy Buckets poured in an electric 41 points on an efficient 12-of-19 shooting and 17-of-18 shooting from the free-throw line.

Boston had an incredibly difficult time guarding the wing without fouling. This was thanks in part to the absence of Marcus Smart. Without Smart, it was the undersized Payton Pritchard or Aaron Nesmith who had to consistently switch onto Butler.

Even Jaylen Brown provided little resistance in slowing him down.

If the C’s hope to escape Miami with the series evened up, they have to find a way to slow down Butler. That not only means from the field but to defend without fouling. Say what you want about the officials, but there is no excuse for Boston allowing Butler to dominate with such ease.

Even if Marcus Smart remains out for Game 2, Ime Udoka must make some defensive changes. The Celtics must get back to their top-notch defensive identity to steal a Game 2 win.