Boston, MA—-The Boston Celtics sought redemption in their playoff journey, aiming to avenge last year’s defeat at the hands of the Miami Heat in a decisive Game 7. In a role reversal, the Celtics delivered a resounding 118-84 victory over the Heat in Game 5 to advance to the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Jaylen Brown and Derrick White spearheaded Boston’s dominant performance, each contributing 25 points to secure the win. Brown showcased his playmaking abilities with six assists, while White put on a shooting clinic with five successful 3-pointers. Sam Hauser chipped in 17 points, and Jayson Tatum poured in with 16 points and 12 boards, ensuring the top-seeded Celtics never trailed and maintained a commanding lead throughout the contest.
Reflecting on the victory, Brown emphasized the team’s focused and business-like approach, irrespective of the opponent. Tatum echoed this sentiment, underscoring the significance of every playoff matchup.
“I think this is my fourth time playing them in playoffs,” Tatum said. They all count the same. We did our job. We took care of business.”
Despite Miami’s valiant efforts, highlighted by Bam Adebayo’s 23 points, the Heat struggled to find their rhythm, particularly from beyond the arc, shooting a dismal 3 of 29 from down town. Heat coach Erik Spoelstra acknowledged Boston’s heightened intensity, attributing it to their desire for redemption.
“They probably had something to motivate them even more against us,” he said.
The absence of center Kristaps Porzingis, sidelined due to a calf strain, presented an opportunity for Boston’s depth to really shine. Exploiting Miami’s injury-depleted roster, the Celtics capitalized on their vulnerabilities, establishing a comfortable lead of 37 points in the game.
The game witnessed unique rotations from Miami, with various lineup changes due to injuries, including veteran Patty Mills stepping up to fill the void. However, Boston’s relentless offense and stifling defense proved insurmountable for the short-handed Heat.
White, in particular, stood out with his electrifying performance, epitomizing the Celtics’ determination and joy on the court. His emphatic dunk in the opening quarter set the tone for Boston’s dominant display, much to the delight of the home crowd.
As the Celtics celebrate their redemption against the Heat, they now turn their focus to the next challenge in the Eastern Conference semifinals, awaiting the outcome of the Cleveland-Orlando series. With momentum on their side, Boston aims to continue their postseason journey with the same determination and resilience that propelled them past Miami.
