First qualifying ball for the Celticsback at home what’s more, against this valiant team from Heat increasingly diminished (Jimmy Butler, Terry Rozier, Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Josh Richardson). Even without Kristaps Porzingis (calf), this meeting turned into a demonstration, as the C’s were several notches above collectively (118-84).
Bam Adebayo (23 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds) and Miami will have done well in this series, managing to steal a match (the second) in Massachusetts, just to create an illusion for a while. Except that Jaylen Brown (25 points), Derrick White (25 points) and others will not have allowed doubt to settle for too long in the camp of Bostontoo armed on both sides.
The merciless Celtics
You will have understood, it didn’t take long to see the Celtics get their hands on this meeting and head towards XXL success. Led by Derrick White then Jayson Tatum and Sam Hauser at 3-pointers, as well as Jaylen Brown in the paint, the C’s quickly explode the Florida defense, while Bam Adebayo tries as best he can to keep the Heat in ( 41-23).
The more the minutes pass, the more Jaylen Brown, Jrue Holiday and even Jayson Tatum press where it hurts for Miami, in full swing at 3-points and who can do nothing in the face of the energy, aggressiveness and skill of the opponent. Despite the duo Bam Adebayo – Tyler Herro, who floats in the paint amid the failures behind the arc, Boston unfolds and can afford not to regret its waste with the ball (68-46).
We might as well say it right away: the second half will not see the Heat come back to score. Worse: Jaylen Brown and Derrick White continue to take turns scoring, from near and far, increasing the gap to +37. Tyler Herro is now the only one to exist on the Florida side and the Celtics can begin to manage their lead and rest their managers (98-66). The fourth quarter is synonymous with “garbage time” and Joe Mazzulla’s men quietly validate their victory (118-84).
Boston is in the conference semifinals and is now waiting to see whether Cleveland or Orlando will cross its path in the next round (the Cavaliers currently lead 3-2).
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– Boston takes revenge and “equalizes” against Miami. Facing each other for the fourth time in the space of five years, the two teams are now 2-2 in their rivalry: the Celtics won the 2022 (conference final) and 2024 series ( first round) therefore, while the Heat won the 2020 (conference final) and 2023 (conference final) series. See you in a year for the beauty and, if possible, without anyone missing this time?
– Derrick White still hot. Already huge in Game 4 with 38 points and 8 3-point baskets, Derrick White did it again in Game 5 with 25 points and 5 3-point baskets. Undoubtedly the best Celtic in this series against the Heat, which allowed Jaylen Brown and especially Jayson Tatum not to exhaust themselves too much, to better keep their strength for the rest of the playoffs. It will be necessary, now that Kristaps Porzingis is injured and while Boston obviously hopes to see its run last until June.
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
