The best team in the NBA is back on track following a masterful performance in Game 3 as they disposed of the Miami Heat 104-84. The Celtics signature defense was in full effect after a woeful performance in Game 2, as they held the Heat to their lowest point output of the series so far. Kristaps Porzingis also bounced back after a dismal performance in Game 2 with 18 points, he could be the x-factor in this series moving forward. Once again the Celtics are double-digit favorites as we head into Game 4, I don’t expect them to make any drastic changes to their gameplan after two double-digit wins so far in the series. The only loss was a case of the other team going historically hot from downtown, it’s hard to imagine the Heat can repeat that again in this series.
Or can they? The Heat have shown glimpses of quality shooting this year, but consistency has eluded them far too often. They finished the season averaging 12.6 threes per game, that was only the 18th best mark in the NBA. The good news is they’ve upped their efficiency by over 3% so far in this series, but when you’re facing the best team in the league you need much more than that. Jimmy Butler remains out, the Heat are really missing his defensive efforts out there as they are having issues with the Celtics wings here. After that loss in Game 3, Miami is now winless in 5 straight home games against the Celtics. A loss tonight could potentially mean the final game of the season in front of the home fans.
