Once again, the Boston Celtics find themselves facing a familiar dilemma – one they hoped to avoid this postseason.
When the Celtics learned they would face the Miami Heat in the first round of the NBA playoffs, they anticipated a different outcome than last year’s disappointment, where the 8th-seeded Heat surprised them in the Eastern Conference Finals. Despite the Heat’s similar seeding this time around, the Celtics were determined not to repeat the same mistakes that haunted them in the past.
With Kristaps Porzingis now in the mix, Boston seemed equipped to counter Miami’s zone defense effectively, especially with Jimmy Butler sidelined due to injury. Additionally, the Celtics presumed that the Heat wouldn’t replicate their deadly three-point shooting from last year’s series, where they consistently hit 50 percent or better from beyond the arc in multiple games. Surely, Boston had learned from their past postseason experience, right?
However, it appears history repeated itself as the Heat executed a game plan eerily similar to Boston’s in Game 1, where the Celtics tied a franchise record with 22 three-pointers. In Game 2, Miami shattered their franchise record by making an astonishing 23 three-pointers out of 43 attempts, sealing a surprising 111-101 victory at TD Garden.
Throughout the game, the Celtics opted to concede the three-point shot to Miami, focusing instead on protecting the rim. Unfortunately for Boston, Miami’s shooters capitalized on this strategy, particularly in the first half, where they tied a franchise record with 15 made threes. Despite holding a slim halftime lead, the Celtics couldn’t contain Miami’s onslaught in the second half.
Notably, it was Miami’s role players who ignited the offensive barrage. Players like Caleb Martin, Jamie Jaquez Jr., and Nikola Jovic stepped up, converting on open looks from downtown with remarkable efficiency.
Despite Tyler Herro’s impressive performance, Boston failed to adjust defensively to Miami’s three-point onslaught, a move that ultimately cost them the game. Additionally, the Celtics struggled with iso ball on offense, relying heavily on Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown while other key players like Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday failed to make significant contributions.
As the series heads to Miami tied at one game apiece, the Celtics find themselves in a precarious position. What initially seemed like a favorable matchup now poses a significant challenge, and Boston must regroup quickly to avoid a repeat of last year’s postseason disappointment.
