By Stefan Djordjevic/ info@eurohoops.net
The Boston Celtics were up in double-digits during the second half of the previous two clashes against the Miami Heat, just to fall apart and let the win slip through their fingers.
This time, however, they were up to the task and finished the job with 117-106 on the scoreboard, logging their first win in the series but still trailing 2-1.
Jayson Tatum put on an all-around performance with 25 points, 14 rebounds and eight assists while Jaylen Brown banked 26 points in addition to Kemba Walker’s 21 and Marcus Smart’s 20 points.
Daniel Theis scored eight but had a significant role defensive-wise, as did Gordon Hayward who returned after being sidelined for a month due to injury, adding a valuable rotation piece for coach Brad Stevens. Hayward logged six points, five rebounds and four assists.
On the other side, Bam Adebayo had a big performance with 27 points and 16 rebounds followed by Tyler Herro with 22 points. Jimmy Butler had 17 while Goran Dragic got slowed down this time and finished with 11 points.
Brown, Tatum, Adebayo and Herro all scored 20-plus points and made history as this is the first time four players under 24 years of age did that in a conference finals game.