Celtics Steal South Beach

05/26/2022 Celtics Steal South Beach

By: Jeff Yoder

Celtics Dominate 2nd Half of Game 5 (93-80) to Take 3-2 Series Lead in East Finals (By Matthew Cahill)

A pivotal game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals saw the Celtics pull away in the third quarter (93-80) to put the Heat on the brink of elimination. The Celtics are now one win away from returning to the NBA Finals for the first time in over a decade. Miami controlled the game early and took a five-point lead into the half as their aggressive defense rattled Boston like it did in Games 1 and 3. However, Jayson Tatum (22-12-9) and Jaylen Brown (25 points) came alive in the second half, leading a dominant 24-2 run in the third quarter that left the Heat scratching their heads.

 

The game wasn’t pretty by any means for Boston, but it was downright ugly for the Heat. Miami couldn’t buy a bucket all night long. Jimmy Butler struggled from the field again, shooting just 4-18 from the field to mark his second consecutive poor performance. Butler’s supporting cast didn’t show up either, shooting an abysmal 7-for-45 from behind the arc. This team has been criticized all year long for not having enough reliable offensive options, and it’s looking like that could cost them a trip back to the Finals.

 

Fun Fact: The Heat have the highest win percentage in playoff history among all NBA teams when trailing a series 3-2 (.444%).

 

Watch: Celtics Pull Away From Heat in 2nd Half to Win Game 5 (93-80)

 

Tonight’s Schedule

Gm 5: Mavericks at Warriors (9:00 pm ET)

GSW Lead Series (3-1)

 

Additional Storylines

Yahoo! Sports: Celtics Run Past Heat 93-80, Move 1 Win From NBA Finals

B/R: Jayson Tatum Questions Joel Embiid Being Snubbed From All-NBA First Team

 

Photo: Eric Espada / Getty Images