Boston Celtics: 3 keys to taking series lead vs. Miami Heat in Game 3

Boston Celtics key to Victory No. 1: Defend the 3-point line

In order to take the lead, the Celtics must first focus on defending the 3-point line. They have done this incredibly well to start the series on the road. Miami shot just 10-34 from long range on Thursday night, good for just 29 percent.

It was clear that having Marcus Smart back in the lineup helps Boston match up perfectly with Miami’s offense. The switch everything defense that head coach Ime Udoka deploys puts them in situations where the point guard ends up on Jimmy Butler. Having Smart back means that it would be the Defensive Player of the Year switching onto Butler oftentimes.

The Celtics also threw Al Horford on Butler and Bam, and he responded by putting up one of the best defensive performances of the season.

At 35-years-old Horford is not only an integral part of the Celtic’s paint defense, but his ability to guard the three is incredibly important. Opponents are shooting 10% worse when guarded by the vet this postseason.

Having Derrick White back in the lineup for Game Three should also give a boost to the Celtics’ already stellar perimeter defense. Gabe Vincent and Max Strus are two of Miami’s best three-point shooters in the Celtics Moschino on them to get the win. As evident in Game Two, Jimmy Butler cannot do it all by himself.

Stopping the 3-point shooting from the ancillary players is what could help the C’s snatch a win.