In their quest for redemption, the Boston Celtics took a significant step forward by exacting revenge against the Miami Heat, who had bested them in a Game 7 showdown at TD Garden just a year ago.
This time around, the tables turned in favor of the Celtics.
Jaylen Brown and Derrick White led the charge with 25 points each as the Celtics secured a convincing 118-84 victory over the undermanned Heat in Game 5 on Wednesday night, securing their spot in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Awaiting the Celtics in the next round is the winner of the Cleveland-Orlando series, with the Cavaliers currently holding a 3-2 lead as they head into Game 6 in Orlando on Friday night.
Brown emphasized the team’s focused mindset heading into the game, stating, “It is a lot of history, back and forth. But it didn’t matter who it was. We just had to get the job done.” His sentiments were echoed by teammate Jayson Tatum, who emphasized the importance of each playoff encounter, regardless of past matchups.
Brown, who also contributed six assists, and White, who drained five 3-pointers, led the Celtics’ charge. Sam Hauser chipped in 17 points, while Tatum recorded a double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds. The top-seeded Celtics maintained control throughout the game, never trailing and securing a commanding 37-point lead.
For the Heat, Bam Adebayo led the scoring with 23 points, supported by Tyler Herro’s 15 points. However, Miami struggled, particularly from beyond the arc, shooting a dismal 3 of 29 from 3-point range.
Heat coach Erik Spoelstra acknowledged the Celtics’ heightened energy from the onset, stating, “They probably had something to motivate them even more against us.”
Despite the disappointing end to their season, Adebayo highlighted the lessons learned, particularly in terms of mental toughness, which he believes will be valuable heading into the offseason.
The Celtics faced the challenge of playing without center Kristaps Porzingis for the first time this postseason after he suffered a right calf strain in Game 4. However, Boston’s depth stepped up admirably, extending their lead to 30 points in the first half.
The Heat, already depleted by injuries, faced further adversity as Jaime Jaquez Jr. sat out due to a hip injury sustained in Game 4. With Jaquez sidelined, Delon Wright filled in, marking the 37th different starting lineup the Heat utilized this season. This injury-riddled lineup included key players like Jimmy Butler and Terry Rozier, who had been sidelined since the series’ outset.
Boston capitalized on Miami’s defensive vulnerabilities, exploiting openings and connecting on eight 3-pointers in the opening period to establish an 18-point lead heading into the second quarter.
The highlight of the first quarter came courtesy of White, who continued his hot shooting from Game 4 by driving in for a thunderous one-handed dunk after faking a 3-point attempt. White’s display of athleticism electrified the home crowd, further fueling the Celtics’ momentum.
Reflecting on his performance, White emphasized the importance of enjoying the moment while remaining focused on the task at hand, stating, “I think that’s when I’m at my best, when I’m having fun out there. But at the same time realizing this is a big moment and we’re all locked into it.”
The Celtics’ dominant performance not only secured their spot in the Eastern Conference semifinals but also sent a message to the rest of the league: they are a force to be reckoned with on their quest for redemption.
