The Celtics, challenged to play with more defensive intensity after the Heat's stunning win in Game 2, smothered the Heat in a 104-84 win to take a 2-1 series edge.
in Game 2 to tie the first-round series -- it was natural to wonder how things would play out in the pivotal Game 3.
"Everybody knows how talented we are. But can we be the tougher, harder-playing team?" said Tatum, who finished with 22 points, 11 rebounds and six assists."If we can combine that with the talent, it's gonna be hard to beat us. Boston was happy to create those kinds of conditions defensively by pushing up further on that side of the ball. Brown, who finished with a game-high 23 points, said the Celtics came in with a handful of rules after Miami's record-setting showing in Game 2.
The result: Miami finished 9-of-28 from 3-point range, a night-and-day difference from the 23-of-43 performance three days earlier. Heat playmaker Tyler Herro -- who had one of the finest games of his career in Game 2, with 24 points and 14 assists -- looked bothered all night, shooting just 5-of-16 for 15 points and four turnovers. He shot 0-for-5 on contested looks, according to ESPN Stats & Information data."They were the more physical team.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Joe Mazzulla Breaks Down Celtics Defensive Changes in Game 3 Win Over HeatAfter the Boston Celtics' Game 3 win over the Miami Heat, Joe Mazzulla spoke about what they did different on the defensive end.
Read more »
Celtics Right the Wrongs of Game 2 to Take 2-1 Lead Over HeatThe Celtics paired stifling point-of-attack defense and switches that suffocated the Heat's offense with an efficient approach at the other and the physicality and hustle necessary to comfortably cruise to a 2-1 series lead.
Read more »
The Latest on the Health Front for Game 3 Between Celtics and HeatWith their first-round series tied at one, Game 3 between the Celtics and Heat will tip off on Saturday evening at 6:00 EST at the Kaseya Center.
Read more »
Miami Heat vs. Boston Celtics: Watch NBA first-round Game 3 live tonight for freeFind out when and where to watch the Miami Heat host the Boston Celtics in Game 3 of their first-round series for free.
Read more »
Celtics vs Heat Predictions, Picks, Odds for Tonight’s NBA Playoff GameNBA predictions, picks, and odds for the Boston Celtics at Miami Heat on 4-27. NBA Playoffs best bets and same-game parlay analysis.
Read more »
Boston Celtics at Miami Heat Game 3 FREE NBA Playoffs live stream: Time, channelThe Miami Heat scored a big Game 2 on the road and look to parlay that momentum Saturday with the first of two straight home games against the Boston Celtics in their first-round NBA playoff series.
Read more »