The Boston Celtics dominated the Game 5 of the NBA Conference Finals from start to finish and defeated the Miami Heat 110-97 to force a Game 6. This postseason, the Celtics are 4-0 in games in which they face elimination.
The formula for those led by Joe Mazzulla was the same as in Game 4: a strong defense and many hits on three-point shots. Boston held Miami to just nine 3-pointers, caused 16 turnovers and blocked four shots. On offense, the Celtics made 16 three-pointers and 12 of the 37 rebounds they grabbed were offensive.
Jayson Tatum flirted with a triple double (21 pts, 8 rbs and 11 ast) and both Marcus Smart (23 pts, 4 3P-FGs) and Derrick White (24 pts and 6 3P-FGs) had their best scoring performances in the ECF. Jaylen Brown was not far behind, adding 21 points with an excellent combination of outside shooting and baskets near the rim.
Everything points to that Malcolm Brogdon’s right elbow injury worsened. The reigning Sixth Man of the Year was only on the court at TD Garden for 7:55 minutes and missed both shots he threw. This prompted Joe Mazzulla to play Payton Pritchard to give Marcus Smart a breather in the final minutes of the third period.
I weighed the absence of Gabe Vincent
The absence of Gabe Vincent weighed on Miami. Erik Spoelstra had to use Kyle Lowry as a starter and the owner only contributed five units and committed four turnovers. In addition, he had to expand the rotation and give extended minutes to Haywood Highsmith, who added 15 points and had to defend both Tatum and Brown for extended stretches. .
Neither Jimmy Butler (14 pts, 5 rbs and 5 ast) and neither Bam Adebayo (16 pts and 8 rbs), managed to overcome the 20 point barrier. Backups Caleb Martin and Duncan Robinson responded on offense with 14 and 18 points, respectively.
When is Game 6 of the Celtics vs Heat?
Game 6 of the series between the Boston Celtics and the Miami Heat will be on May 27. at the Kaseya Center. The tip-off is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. Eastern time in the United States.
