Miami loses a step in a Game 2 loss against the Celtics, 127-102
Miami- The Heat was cooled down in a Game 2 blowout loss.
After Miami put on a sensational third quarter, which helped them win Game 1, they were looking to keep the skillet hot, while frying the inside presence of the Celtics. In Game 2, the Celtics activated Al Horford and Marcus Smart, which could have been a problem for the Heat.
The offense for Miami looked very different than the previous game. They were looking to be the aggressor with stretching Boston's defense out and allowing their teammates to get quality shots. Max Strus continued to contribute when called on. From defending Boston's shooters to hitting threes, Strus was zoned in. One key factor that worked in Miami's favor was Jayson Tatum getting hit with two fouls in the first quarter. Despite Miami jumping up nine in the quarter, Boston went on a 20-2 run to end the first quarter up 35-24.
Things continued to go downhill for the Heat. The C's were killing Miami with their up-temp offense, as well as their three point shooting. Boston was hitting around 64% from jackpot land and around 60% from the field. Miami's offense looked out of sorts. Butler was not effective in the half, costly turnovers and the lack-luster effort put the Heat in hot water at the half, 70-45.
With a huge deficit that Miami had to dig themselves out of, you would think they would give the ball to Jimmy "buckets" Each time Miami tried to make a run, Boston shut that down. The grave was already dug at the end of the third quarter. Boston polished the headstone with a cruising victory to even the series.
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