After coming away with a victory in New York, the Celtics return to the Garden. They will face the team that kept them from the Finals last season. That same team beat them the last time they played a game that mattered. If these Celtics can't get up for tonight, then there's an issue here. I don't see any issues honestly, I expect the Celtics to play very well. The Heat are here as the Garden is rocking! Eddie House says we need to be physical and I agree 100 percent! Coach Mazzulla just said that the C's need to be the more physical team.
1st Quarter 🏀
Jrue opens up the offense with a three on a catch and shoot! C's need to run in transition and blow the Heats doors off! JB is pressing early and missing his shots. DWhite with a corner beauty that splashes the net! Both Holiday and White can knock down their shots consistently. With that consistency the defense has to stay home which will open up the court for Tatum. Tatum with space is a dangerous predicament for the defense.
JT gets on the board and nails a three. A huge shout-out to DWhite for that epic block on Jimmy a few possessions ago. He has a knack of blocking shots that shouldn't be blocked! To me that's more exciting than any three point shot that goes in. Defensive intensity and skill out weigh and offense. As I've said before and will say again DEFENSE WINS CHAMPIONSHIPS!
Jrue uses his shoulders and bodies up the flopper Lowry. C's are off to a very choppy start, their defense is lacking and the flow on offense isn't there. I'm having PTSD from last year in the playoffs. Not the way I expected to spend my Friday night watching the Celtics. JB finally gets a bucket, hopefully it's the start of something good!
OB has come in and brought that hustle and energy! That's what this young man brings to the court! Underrated signing this off season from my perspective. C's on a nice 10-0 run. C's still trail but are slowly climbing back into the game. Sloppy play is costing them buckets right now. Brissett hammers it home! C's trail after the first 28-25.
Second Quarter 🏀🏀
JT is taking over this second quarter! He's going inside and outside, making the Miami D look foolish. He's just grown so much as a basketball player. Physically he's built his body into a machine. He's becoming ELITE and eventually will find his way into the Celtics pantheon of greats. All that's missing is that title.
C's welcome Paul Pierce to the broadcast! It's good seeing the Truth here at the Garden. Paul was a special player for the C's. So many memories of him making big shots and plays. Love seeing the videos of he and JT working out.
What a cut and feed by White to Jrue! JB with the steal and the C's have the lead! This needs to be the awakening that you can destroy this Heat team. The C's are allowing the Heat to stick around. Don't play with your food! Go out there and grab the lead by the horns. JB for three! It's good seeing him find his rhythm tonight. C's talent is taking over especially on the defensive end! C's lead 60-55 after two!
3rd Quarter 🏀🏀🏀
As the third is about to begin, the C's need to have that defensive fire and take this quarter! Love seeing JB come away with the rebound amongst the Heat players. He's got the athletic ability to do so! Despite a slow start from both Brown and Porzingis they both have recovered well.
Both DWhite and Jrue have been making hustle plays in this third quarter. Jrue throwing the ball off a Heat defender and White grabbing hustle boards. Having two guys like that is epic! Those kinds of plays are huge and add up at the end of the game.
I can't stand anyone on the Heat, just saying...
Back to the C's, tonight's game is shaping up like the EC finals last year. Close game that will need to be won in the fourth. Will the C's be able to complete that task? They better if they want to win this game and eventually Banner 18.
Underrated part of Jrue Holidays game is his rebounding. C's trail by one alley the third.
4th Quarter 🏀🏀🏀🏀
C's need to wake up, and right on cue DWhite for three! I love him! He drives and gets the jumper! Pulls up for three! This is Derrick Whites quarter baby! He to me is a prototypical Celtic. I want to see him retire a Celtic! Celtics with the lead because of how he's playing this quarter.
Paul and Toine watching the game! Oh the memories! Those two guys had some special moments together in Green and White. Is it me or does Bam set moving screens on every play?! Yet they NEVER call it!
JB with a HUGE three off the dribble! Ever since he lit that spark in the second he's played a very good game. It's all stemmed from him playing hard on defense. Defense leads to offense! Glad he was able to get back to being himself.
These refs enjoy blowing the whistle in favor of the Heat. Just let em play! Already in the bonus and we have five minutes to go. C's must fight that and bring it home! JT parts the lane like the red sea and hammers it home! The Garden is rocking!
C's have played a decent fourth quarter tonight. They have work to do if they want the win, but they have the lead. The question is can they close it out?? They damn well better! Despite some choppy play the C's come away with a TOUGH victory. JB ends the night on a positive note! For three! Buh Bye Miami!
Bleed Green! Celtic Pride!
Celtics Player of the game....
DERRICK WHITE!
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