After not showing up for the third quarter in game one, the Boston Celtics needed more of a complete game on Thursday in game two of the Eastern Conference Finals. After an explosive first half, the Celtics were able to protect their blowout lead and beat the Heat 127-102 to tie their best out of seven series at one game apiece.
In game two, the Celtics outscored the Heat 35-24 in the first quarter, and then scored 35 points again in the second quarter to take a halftime lead of 70-45. In the second half, the Heat and Celtics were even as they each scored 57 points. However, the Heat did not have the firepower to have any sort of comeback.
Another reason for the Celtics’ game two win, was the fact they got outstanding production from their big three–Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and NBA Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart. Tatum had 27 points, Brown had 24 points, while Smart had a double-double with 24 points and 12 assists, and also led the Celtics with three steals and nine rebounds. Smart missed game one of the series against the Heat because of a right foot sprain he suffered in the Celtics’ 109-81 clobbering over the Milwaukee Bucks in game seven of the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Yes, Jimmy Butler scored 29 points for the Heat, to lead both teams. However, he was a -20 on the court after being a +25 in game one. The series now shifts to the Toronto Dominion Garden in Boston for game three on Saturday night.
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