NBA: In the Eastern Conference finals, Boston returns to the length of Miami

BOSTON GOING GREEN: The Celtics relied on a fiery first quarter and solid starters to win at home against the Heat (110-97) and get back to 3-2 in the Eastern Conference finals on Thursday, May 25, in the NBA playoffs. . They came to the middle of the road. Starting 3-0, a deficit never seen in a seven-game series in NBA history, despite 150 opportunities, the Celtics proved their renewed form in a packed TD Garden.

But if the dream begins to take shape, the continuation of the showdown in Miami on Saturday will send them back into hostile territory, again in danger of elimination in a disappointing fashion. “The only thing we can stop is us”Alerted Boston forward Jaylen Brown with a renewed efficiency of 21 points (9/18 shooting).

Like him, three starters of the Celtics collected more than 20 units: the offensive leader of the franchise Jayson Tatum also contributed 21 (11 assists, 8 rebounds), Marcus Smart signed 23 and Derrick White, the most prolific, 24.

In this way, last season’s grand finalists seem to have regained the collective momentum that has at times made them irresistible, even if such prowess has only been intermittent in recent months. After falling behind in the third quarter in the previous game, Boston built its day’s success on the basis of the first twelve-minute weapon, winning hands (35-20) rewarded with excellent shots.

“We set the tone from start to finish”

In the heat of the challenge, Celtics didn’t quite relax, conceding a couple of lengths in front. “Today we were the most fighting teamBrown let go. We set the tone from start to finish. »

In fact, Miami suffered, as did its playmaker, Jimmy Butler, who had his worst offensive performance of the playoffs with just 14 points (5 rebounds, 5 assists). He also remained on the bench for most of his recent recovery. In a game where Gabby Vincent missed with a sprained ankle, Duncan Robinson (18 points) led the Heat offense while Bam Adebayo added 16 points inside.

Despite their second straight loss, Miami remains the favored team to attempt a seventh Grand Final appearance and a fourth league title (following 2006, 2012 and 2013).

Saturday’s Game 6, which will give the Floridians a chance to finish in front of their home crowd, will be all the more critical because it’s hard to see how this balanced Celtics can miss the boat in their head in that event. The final shock is unlikely.