NBA Playoffs: Heat shock Celtics to win Game 1

Miami Heat picked up their first win in the Eastern Conference Playoffs Finals after defeating the Boston Celtics 116-123 at TD Garden. Thus, the Massachusetts franchise -the most successful team in NBA history along with Los Angeles Lakers- loses its home-court advantage and must win at the Heat's stadium to have a chance of reaching the NBA Finals.

A superb third quarter was enough for the Heat to earn their first win in the series. The Celtics went into half-time with a 66-57 lead but their opponent, led by an unbeatable Jimmy Butler, came back with a 25-46 run in the third quarter. A slight reaction from the green and white franchise in the last twelve minutes was not enough and the Florida team took the win.

As we have said so many times, Jimmy Butler once again led the Miami Heat to victory. The forward conquered the TD Garden with 35 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Just over a month ago, few imagined that the Heat would be in the Eastern Conference Finals and that Butler would reach the high level he is showing in these Playoffs.

The zone was dominated by Bam Adebayo, who recorded 20 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists and minimized the efforts that could be exerted by his mark, Celtics center Robert Williams. Offensive performances by Gabe Vincent, Max Strus, Caleb Martin and Kyle Lowry were also noteworthy. Each of them scored 15 points.

On the Boston Celtics side, Jaylen Brown should be mentioned. The point guard had the most complete performance of the green-and-white roster: he scored 22 points, grabbed 9 rebounds and dished out 5 assists. For his part, Jayson Tatum was the Celtics' top scorer (30 points) although his teammates lacked a more decisive defensive contribution. Marcus Smart recorded the game's only double-double (13 points and 11 assists) and Malcolm Brogdon scored 19 points. The next game will be held again at TD Garden this Friday.