The Miami Heat won the first game against Boston, thanks to the dominance of the third quarter and the absence of two Celtics key players in the opening game. Game 2, though, was an entirely different story as the Celtics dominated most of the game on their way to an impressive side-field display. The return of Marcus Smart (midfoot sprain) and Al Horford (COVID-19 protocol) cemented the 127-102 win as Boston tied the series, and he can now take the lead. With Kyle Lowry returning to the lineup in Game 3, the Heat enjoyed the same kind of boost and jumped to a 62-47 lead after one game.
Smart showed why his presence was so important to Boston in Game Two. Defensive Player of the Year played an almost flawless game and helped the Celtics beat the Heat in attack and defense. Jason Tatum (27 points), Smart (24) and Jaylene Brown (24) led the way for Boston, which proved to be too much for Miami. Jimmy Butler finished 29 points, but couldn’t hold the Heat alone against the stifling Celtics’ defense. They will try to go back and reclaim the championship of the series, but doing so in Boston will not be easy at all. Miami 2-3 on the road this postseason.
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