Celtics vs. Heat: Highlights, Top Tweets, Analysis and More
The Heat and Celtics went head-to-head in an Eastern Conference clash and surprisingly got into a shootout. The surging Celtics had the hotter hand in this game and leave Miami victoriously following the 115-107 win.
The Celtics were on fire in this game, as they dismantled the Heat's defense while shooting just over 60 percent from the field.
They led for almost the entire game. The Heat closed the margin to one at one point in the fourth quarter, but the Celtics quickly pulled away.
This was a huge statement win for the Celtics (33-24). They destroyed the Heat, 91-72, on April 1 in Boston, and they proved that was no fluke. This win helped extend their lead in the Atlantic Division to 3.5 games over the Knicks.
Meanwhile, the Heat (40-16) appear to be limping into the playoffs. They have now lost five of their past 10 games.
Tweets of the Night
The Celtics are playing fantastic basketball right now. How fantastic? Well, it is good enough to strip this fan of any caution when proclaiming Boston's greatness.
"The CELTICS > every other team in the NBA
— Frank Ocean nephew(@IamFrank_Lotion) April 11, 2012"
ESPN's Royce Webb found a little double meaning for the "breaking" tag.
"Breaking: The Heat's vaunted defense vs. the Celtics' attack.
— Royce Webb, ESPN NBA (@RoyceWebb) April 11, 2012"
The Associated Press' Tim Reynolds adds a little perspective on the high-scoring and hot-shooting ways of the first half.
"Heat shooting 6-10 from 3 in the first half. And they're the 2nd-best team in this game in that department. BOS 7-10.
— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) April 11, 2012"
Must-See Highlight of the Night
Heat games are seldom short on highlights. This game was no different. James and Wade hook up here for a little alley-to-alley-oop action.
I actually have no idea what to call that, but it deserves its own name. It's not often that you see a play with two airborne players catching passes.
Grades for Key Celtics Players
Rajon Rondo: A-
Rondo loves the big stage of highlighted games, and he once again proved that. He was at the heart of Boston's potent offensive attack in this game, as he chipped in 18 points and dished out a spectacular 15 assists.
He also played some solid defense, although he was caught gambling and out of position on several occasions.
Garnett looks healthy and energetic just in time for the playoffs. His minutes have been scaled back, and his effectiveness has increased.
He was all over the court in this game. He was amazing on offense, scoring 24 points on 11-of-14 shooting from the field. He also grabbed nine boards and had two blocks.
Paul Pierce: B+
The Truth was not overly efficient in this game. He was 8-of-16 from the field, which looks worse considering his team shot 60 percent. However, he came up with big buckets when his team needed them and wound up scoring 27 points and grabbing seven rebounds.
He also was forced to burn a lot of energy on defense in this game and did an admirable job.
Grades for Key Heat Players
Dwyane Wade: B-
Wade was active and into this game, but his shot was slightly off. He was 9-of-21 from the field and scored 20 points.
He also was rattled by the ref in the fourth quarter, and it appeared to take him out of the game mentally.
LeBron James: A
James proved once again why he is really the choice for MVP this season. The guy is doing everything a person can do on a basketball court.
He was outstanding on offense, going 11-of-23 from the field and scoring 36 points, and still found time in all that scoring to dish out seven assists.
He also was great on defense, grabbing seven rebounds and adding a block and a steal. This is the kind of stat line you just don't see in today's NBA...unless it is LeBron.
Chris Bosh: D+
Bosh was a lost non-factor. It was hard to notice him out there, but then he would brick a shot to remind us all that he was indeed on the floor. He finished 5-of-13 from the field with 13 points.
He was far too timid on offense and did little to make life difficult for Kevin Garnett.
However, he did manage to grab nine boards, which helped him avoid an even lower grade.
Stat of the Night: 65
That would be the number of points the Boston Celtics were able to put up on the vaunted Heat defense in just the first half.
That is the most points the Heat have allowed, or the Celtics have scored, in any first half this season. It is also the most first-half points they have ever scored against the Heat.
Game MVP: Kevin Garnett
Garnett came up huge time and time again for Boston in this game. At one point, the Heat had closed the gap to one in the fourth quarter.
Garnett soon went on to to score eight straight points for the Celtics, and they were leading, 102-91, when he scored the eighth.
What's Next
The Celtics will bring this one-game road trip to an end and return home to face the Hawks on Wednesday. They will then take to the road again for a four-game trip against the Raptors, Nets, Bobcats and Nets.
This was the final game of a five-game home stand for the Heat. They will now pack their bags and prepare for a huge Eastern Conference showdown with the Chicago Bulls on Thursday night.
If the Heat want to entertain any hopes of claiming the No. 1 seed in the East, they will be well-served to win that one.
