Fueled by a record-tying 23 three-pointers, the Miami Heat leveled up a first-round Eastern Conference series with the Boston Celtics with a 111-101 win on Wednesday night.
After a close first half, the Heat beat the Celtics 27-18 in the third quarter to regain the lead. It was an advantage that they would not surrender the series even at 1-1.
Game 3 will take place Saturday night at 6pm ET in Miami.
Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said earlier Wednesday that they will make a concerted effort to minimize the Celtics' 3-point attempts and increase their chances in Game 2. This approach has worked in Miami's favor.
The Celtics used 3-pointers to their advantage in Game 1, going 22-for-49 from long range. Game 2 was a different story as they went 12-for-32. Meanwhile, Miami shot the ball away, going 23-for-43 from behind the three-point line.
Miami's 23 3-pointers were two shy of the NBA playoff record and broke the previous franchise mark of 20, set during the 2021 playoffs against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Tyler Herro shot 6-for-11 from long range, while Caleb Martin hit five three-pointers on six attempts.
Herro, who was held to 11 points in 34 minutes Sunday, had better success in Game 2 by dropping 24 points. It was supported by 21 points each from Martin and Bam Adebayo. Nikola Jovic scored 11 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists on both ends of the court.
Herro also led all players with 14 assists on the night.
Jaylen Brown (33 points and 8 rebounds) and Jayson Tatum (28 points and 8 rebounds) did everything they could, but Miami's attack was more balanced. The Celtics bench couldn't impact the game enough as the Heat outshot them 20-12.
Already without Jimmy Butler (MCL) and Terry Rozier (neck), the Heat return home with the series knotted at one and coming off a game where their shooting fortunes turned.
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