In a commanding Game 1 performance, the Boston Celtics asserted their dominance over the Miami Heat with a resounding 114-94 victory at the TD Garden on Sunday.
Jayson Tatum led the charge for the Celtics, notching his first career playoff triple-double with 23 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists, setting the tone for Boston’s convincing win.
Derrick White added 20 points and four assists, while Boston showcased its depth with six players scoring in double figures.
Kristaps Porzingis scored 18 points, while Jaylen Brown contributed 17 points, six rebounds, and eight assists.
The Celtics’ lead ballooned to as much as 34 points in the fourth quarter, firmly establishing their control over the game.
Boston capitalized on its home-court advantage, tying a franchise playoff record with 22 three-pointers and outscoring the Heat 31-14 in a dominant third quarter display.
Despite Miami’s efforts to mount a late comeback, Boston remained in control, closing out the game with authority.
Miami, playing without star Jimmy Butler and Terry Rozier, struggled to find offensive rhythm, with Bam Adebayo leading the Heat with 24 points.
Delon Wright and Jaime Jaquez Jr. contributed offensively with 17 and 16 points, respectively, but Miami’s efforts fell short against Boston’s stifling defense.
Tempers flared in the final minutes of the game, reflecting the intensity of the matchup, as a brief altercation erupted between Jaylen Brown and Caleb Martin, resulting in double technical fouls.
The Celtics’ bench stepped up in the absence of Luke Kornet, who was sidelined with a calf injury, contributing 30 points to Boston’s total.
