Boston Celtics fall to Miami Heat 118-107 in Game 1, blowing lead in disastrous third quarter

MIAMI — The undermanned Boston Celtics looked ready to take a 1-0 lead in the Eastern Conference Finals over the Miami Heat for 24 minutes. However, a disastrous third quarter quickly dashed those hopes.

Miami outscored Boston 39-14 in the third period, erasing an eight-point halftime lead to pull away from the Celtics for a 118-107 victory at FTX Arena in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals. Jimmy Butler had a game-high 41 points in the comeback win. Jayson Tatum had a team-high 29 points in the setback.

Boston was without Marcus Smart (quad) and Al Horford (health and safety protocols) and clearly missed the veteran savvy of both players in the third period as the team unraveled on both sides of the ball. Boston went 2-of-15 from the field and coughed up eight eight turnovers in what was easily the team’s worst quarter in the postseason.

Jayson Tatum was front and center for the debacle after erupting for 21 first half points to help spot Boston an eight point halftime lead. From there, it was all downhill for Tatum and the visitors. The All-Star forward was 0-of-2 from the field in the period with seven turnovers, fueling countless Heat fast breaks with sloppy passes. The entire team looked gassed and unfocused as the Heat ratchet up the defensive intensity and physicality, leaving Boston struggling to garner any quality shot looks.

Jimmy Butler (16 third quarter points) led a parade of Heat shooters in the free throw line (17 team attempts in the period) as Miami got into the penalty early and took advantage of a Celtics defense that lacked discipline amid tired legs. Boston fought back a bit in the fourth quarter, cutting a 20-point Miami lead down to eight in one stretch but Miami hit enough shots to close the door on the Game 1 win.

Boston will look to even the series at 1-1 on Thursday night at FTX Arena.

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