Heat Ripped for Scoring Drought as Jayson Tatum, Celtics Win Game 5

Paul KasabianFeatured Columnist IIMay 26, 2022

MIAMI, FLORIDA - MAY 25: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics drives to the ball against P.J. Tucker #17 and Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat during the first quarter in Game Five of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Finals at FTX Arena on May 25, 2022 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

The Miami Heat shot just 31.9 percent from the field and made only 7-of-45 three-pointers en route to a 93-80 home loss to the Boston Celtics in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Wednesday.

Miami held a 42-37 halftime edge, but the Celtics doubled the Heat's point total in the third quarter (32-16) and led by as many as 23 points. Celtics wing Jaylen Brown's 25 points led all scorers, while teammate Jayson Tatum posted a near triple-double (22 points, 12 rebounds, nine assists).

Heat guards Kyle Lowry and Max Strus missed all 15 of their shots. Jimmy Butler shot 4-of-18. Victor Oladipo made just one of his seven field-goal attempts.

This was a complete disaster for the Heat, who now trail Boston 3-2 in the best-of-seven series.

Numerous analysts noted the Heat's significant offensive struggles, most notably in the second half.

Barry Jackson @flasportsbuzz
The Heat, the NBA's best 3 point shooting team during the season, shooting 3s so poorly this postseason (5 for 35 tonight) is as perplexing as Panthers' power play ineptitude in postseason. Sports is crazy.

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Anthony Chiang @Anthony_Chiang
The Celtics' nine-point lead feel like it's 25 with the way the Heat is shooting the ball.

𝙃𝙀𝘼𝙏 𝙉𝘼𝙏𝙄𝙊𝙉 @HeatvsHaters
This is DISGUSTING wtf

𝙃𝙀𝘼𝙏 𝙉𝘼𝙏𝙄𝙊𝙉 @HeatvsHaters
The Heat FINALLY show some sense of fight… after they went down 20 points.

Kevin O'Connor @KevinOConnorNBA
This series is over. No way the Heat win two in a row. Not enough firepower. Too many injured guys. Lowry looks hurt or washed. Celtics defense is insane, Tatum and Brown have figured it out on offense. It's done.

Dan Feldman @DanFeldmanNBA
The Heat's offense was relentlessly ridiculed for Game 4. They scored fewer points tonight.

StatMuse @statmuse
The Heat starting backcourt has made a combined 1 basket in the last 2 games. 1/28 FG (3.6%) 1/19 3P (5.3%) <a href="https://t.co/RBajD2jbP9">pic.twitter.com/RBajD2jbP9</a>

Rob Perez @WorldWideWob
This is when Apollo looked at Rocky and said "I want you to promise me you're not gonna stop this fight, no matter what. No matter what."

Tom Haberstroh @tomhaberstroh
The Miami Heat have made one basket in the last 12 minutes of basketball. I've never seen anything like this

Yaya Dubin @JADubin5
Assuming the Heat can make up a 15-point lead is pretty bold because it assumes the Heat are capable of scoring 15 more points in this game.

Bobby Manning @RealBobManning
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Heat?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Heat</a> shot 17% FG in the 3rd. If they get up from that and an 11 point deficit I'll be stunned. Unless the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Celtics?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Celtics</a> just completely capsize into another turnover flood. <a href="https://t.co/KLjmo8nMmm">pic.twitter.com/KLjmo8nMmm</a>

In fairness, the Heat are banged up. Tyler Herro (left groin strain) did not play. Lowry (left hamstring strain) appeared clearly bothered by his ailment.

Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
Lowry has no legs at all. No lift on his jumper. Can't run at all. He should not be out there.

Jimmy Butler looked hobbled as well, and he notably dealt with right knee inflammation that forced him to miss the second half of Game 3 last Saturday.

gary washburn @GwashburnGlobe
Jimmy Butler just ain't right. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Celtics?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Celtics</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Heat?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Heat</a>

However, the Heat need to find answers quickly with Game 6 taking place Saturday at 8:30 p.m. ET in Boston. A Celtics win will vault Boston into the NBA Finals for the first time since 2010.