The Celtics averted elimination by defeating the Heat in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals
Boston Celtics were able to stay alive in the Eastern Conference Finals when they beat the Miami Heat 116–99 in Game 4 after a potential loss.
There is still a lot of work to be done, as no NBA team has ever won a series after losing 3-0. However, Celtics stars Jaylen Brown and Marcus Smart gave the Heat a warning before the game. Game 4saying, “Don’t let us win tonight.”
They supported it, and the main reason was the hot start of the second half.
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#7 Jaylen Brown of the Boston Celtics controls the ball in front of #22 Jimmy Butler of the Miami Heat in the second quarter of Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals at the Kaseya Center on May 23, 2023 in Miami, Florida. (Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
In a heated third quarter, the Celtics won the frame by 15 points after losing 56-50 at halftime. They maintained momentum in the fourth and the series will now return to Boston for Game 5 on Thursday night.
Jason Tatum, who struggled with the field play in Game 3, handled the ball much better in this game. He was a key reason why the Celtics bounced back, landing 6 of his 8 shots to help Boston hit 14 of 22 field goals in the third quarter.
On the other hand, the Heat couldn’t match that offensive performance as they went 7-for-21 in Game 3.
CELTICS STARS SEND WARNING DESPITE KNOCKOUT IN GAME 4: ‘DON’T LET US WIN ONE TODAY’
Miami showed their ability to bounce back in the fourth quarter, which they did in Game 2 of the series to shock the Celtics, but Boston learned from that mistake. They won the quarter 28-20 and held off a loss at the end of the season for a while.
Tatum finished the game with 34 points on 14-of-22 field goals, including 5-of-9 3-pointers, while grabbing 11 rebounds and assisting seven. He also secured one interception and two blocks on the defensive side of the ball.
The Boston Celtics’ No. 13 Malcolm Brogdon edged out the Miami Heat’s No. 13 Bam Adebayo in the second quarter of Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals at the Kaseya Center on May 23, 2023 in Miami, Florida. (Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
Every player in the Celtics’ starting lineup scored double-digit points, including Brown (16) and Smart (11). Derrick White (16) and Al Horford (12) also made three threes each.
Grant Williams was also able to score 14 points off the bench for Boston, adding six boards and two assists.
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Jimmy Butler led the Heat with 29 points, 10 of which came from a charity streak. He had nine rebounds to lead the team.
Gabe Vincent had 17 points and Caleb Martin had 16 off the bench for Miami.
The Heat was ineffective from beyond the arc, which is uncharacteristic for them this postseason. They shot just 25% on 8 of 32 3-pointers.
No. 0 Jason Tatum of the Boston Celtics takes on No. 16 Caleb Martin of the Miami Heat in the second quarter of Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals at the Kaseya Center on May 23, 2023 in Miami, Florida. (Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
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Game 5 kicks off in Boston at 8:30 pm ET, where the Denver Nuggets, who defeated the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference Finals, continue to wait for their NBA Finals opponent.