Six things to note as the Celtics and Jayson Tatum destroy the Heat in…
These are the key lessons learned from the Celtics’ crushing 102-82 victory over the Heat, which wasn’t even close.
1. Despite shooting only 27-for-67 (40.3%) from the field and 7-for-29 (24.1%) from three after they pulled their starters in the fourth quarter, the Celtics finished with nine turnovers and a 20-point victory.
The Heat won Game 3 with a total of 19 steals.
Ime Udoka stated, “I believe we only had [3–4 turnovers] in the first quarter.” “Taking care of the ball was crucial, undoubtedly, as it allowed them to score in the half court rather than obtaining the run-outs that we helped them with in the previous game.”
Basketball may occasionally be a complicated game with complicated rules.
It isn’t always the case.
2. The Heat had a terrible start to the game; they were only able to score one point until the 3:22 mark of the first quarter and hardly managed to reach double figures in the first quarter (29-11). The squad didn’t score again until 1:50 remained after Victor Oladipo’s 3-pointer for their first field goal.
When the Celtics prevent the Heat from getting out in transition, their defense is still unbeatable.
3. Both after victories and defeats, Udoka and other Celtics players mentioned that they needed to play better.
That seems to be the nature of our team, Robert Williams observed. “We must strive to improve in that area. It shouldn’t take a blow to the mouth for us to react. That’s simply my viewpoint.
After Game 3, Udoka implied that the Celtics took certain things personally.
“They took pride in those matchups and heard some of the things that were said,” Udoka remarked. “We have a proud team, one of the best defensive teams in the league as well as individuals.” “We came out with the right mindset, but we need to repeat that in Game 5 after we win rather than just after we lose.”
4. Williams hobbled to the bench in the third quarter, a concerning indication for a battered Celtics club that was already without Marcus Smart in the fourth game.
Despite having a very ordinary final stat line (12 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 blocked shots in just 18 minutes), Williams had a significant influence as a rim protector. Williams’s length hindered even Jimmy Butler from getting easy baskets, and following a pivotal Game 3, Bam Adebayo appeared to be less at ease against Williams’s agility. Conversely, the Celtics placed Williams in the dunker’s position; Mike Prada of the Athletic pointed out this smart move. By doing this, Adebayo was unable to move freely in the space where he feels most comfortable, forcing Miami’s defense—which is weak against drives around the rim—to defend the Celtics’ drives.
Williams stated, “You have to make the right play when they’re giving us reads.” It’s not necessarily something the team is doing differently, in my opinion. Simply put, nothing can ever be taken away from you. Make a play for yourself when they give you the read.
Williams’ health is crucial for the Celtics to win this series, but he remained evasive about his likely availability despite stating that his knee “feels great, feels good.”
Williams stated, “Usually, we just wait until the next day to see if it’s swelling or anything.” But as I have stated, I have no doubts after this game. I’m pleased with myself for it.
