Never in NBA playoff history has a team been able to straighten a 3-0 over a best-of-7 series. On 150 occasions.
For Boston it looks promising again: with fireworks in the first quarter (35-20) and basic players in shape, last year’s finalist kept himself alive.
“The only thing that can stop us is ourselves,” said Jaylen Brown, who found his firepower again with 21 points. Jayson Tatum (21 pts, 11 ass, 8 rbs), Marcus Smart (23 pts) and Derrick White (24 pts) were also starting players with more than 20 points.
The Celtic collective, which lost so dramatically the first 2 home games, seems to be back. Brown: “Tonight we gave everything from the first to the last minute.”
The visitors from Miami were not up to the task, they had to endure the game. In the image of their leader Jimmy Butler, who recorded his worst playoff numbers with just 14 points (5 rbs, 5 ass). He spent most of the last quarter on the bench.
Duncan Robinson (18 pts) was the offensive leader, supported by Bam Adebayo (16 pts, 8 rbs). “We have to play harder,” said Butler. He pointed out that the lack of efficiency up front had an impact on their will to defend.
2023-05-26 06:28:42
#Boston #stays #alive #Miami #dreams #big #NBA #final #NBA
