After the first quarter, it appeared the Boston Celtics were ready to go home. Trailing 3-1 in the series, they couldn’t get anything going on the offensive end. They had just been outscored 26-18 by the Miami Heat in the first period. But over the next three quarters, Boston picked up their defensive intensity and took over the game. They overcame a double-digit Miami lead to win the game 121-108. With the loss, Miami now leads the series 3-2.
Here are my takeaways from Friday’s loss vs Boston.
Turd Quarter
The third quarter, or “turd” quarter, played a huge role in Friday’s loss. The Celtics came out with more energy and played with more desperation. Boston also took apart Miami’s zone defense with high pick-and-roll actions. The Celtics had a lot of easy buckets in the period. Celtics’ star Jayson Tatum had 17 points in the quarter. Miami, on the other, played lethargic on both ends of the floor. They couldn’t get stops and their shots weren’t falling on the offensive end. Boston scored 41 points in the third period, tying the most the Heat has ever given up in a playoff quarter.
Foul Trouble
Foul trouble was an issue for the Heat all game long. Miami’s two stars Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo both picked up their second fouls in the first quarter. They both went on to pick up their fourth foul in the third quarter. Butler was pulled after his fourth, but Adebayo continued to play on. The Heat put Boston in the bonus in the first three minutes of the second half, with Boston converting on 11 free throws in the third period. Miami will have to do a better job of defending without fouling in the next game.
Theis vs Bam
Before the series started, there was an article that stated that the Daniel Theis vs Adebayo matchup was a wash. For the first four games of the series, that hasn’t been the case. Bam has been a problem for the Celtics. However, in Game 5, Theis outplayed Adebayo. The Celtics center owned the paint on Friday. He protected the paint on the defensive end and provided second chance opportunities for the Celtics. Bam was slowed down by early foul trouble. Theis finished the game with 15 points, 13 rebounds (five offensive), and three blocks. Bam had 13 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists.
Robinson goes off early
Duncan Robinson got off to a hot start in Game 5. Robinson was a problem for the Celtics defense early on. He not only converted two three-pointers but also had a couple of two-point baskets. He scored 12 of the Heat’s 26 first-quarter points. Robinson had 17 points at halftime, but went scoreless in the third quarter, missing all four of his shots in the second half.
👇 17 point 1st half for your shooter👇 pic.twitter.com/ykn05JoXhA
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) September 26, 2020
Robinson finished the night with 20 points on 3-11 shooting from beyond the arc.
Next up: Game 5 is on Sunday at 7:30 P.M. est.
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