Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Boston Mauls Miami to Take Game 1

Originally posted on Celtics Life | By Matt Scharingson | Last updated 4/21/24

The Boston Celtics put a beatdown on the Miami Heat Sunday afternoon, coming out with a 114-94 victory in Game 1.
The Celtics lead by as much as 34 in the win, cruising to a 1-0 series lead. Miami made it a little interesting in the 4th with a 26-7 run, but with Boston so far out in front, they never got the lead under 14.
This was a fantastic opening-day performance by the guys to build some confidence and set the tone for the rest of the series.

Jayson Tatum (23 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists) led the way for the Celts, as JT recorded his first career playoff triple-double. Tatum took a hard fall late in the 4th quarter on what appeared to be a dirty play by Caleb Martin, but JT was able to get back to his feet and walk it off.
Boston ended Game 1 with six players in double-figures, including Derrick White (20 points, 4 assists), Kristaps Porzingis (18 points, 4/8 3PT), and Jaylen Brown (17 points, 8 rebounds).
Boston's final tally from long range was 22/49, matching a franchise record with 22 made 3's in a playoff game.
Shoutout to all of the bench guys tonight for being ready to play. Sam, Al, and Payton were all fantastic in their minutes.

Jayson Tatum recorded his 1st career playoff triple-double today with 23 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists.

He's the first Celtic to log a playoff triple-double since Marcus Smart on 9/9/20 vs. Toronto.
— Celtics Stats (@celtics_stats) April 21, 2024

With Jimmy Butler likely sidelined for the entirety of the series, if the Celtics stay locked in, there's no reason this should take more than four or five games.
JT and JB didn't have to do a ton offensively and the C's still blew Miami out of the building. Just lock in the next game and take a 2-0 lead to South Beach.
Game 2 will be Wednesday night at TD Garden. Go Celtics!

Boston’s 22 threes made ties a franchise playoff record (2022 ECF Game 7). pic.twitter.com/l2ATF846OQ
— StatMuse (@statmuse) April 21, 2024

"Erik Spoelstra called a timeout with a 1:30 left down by 16, 30 seconds later that play happens... that looked shady to me."

Brian Scalabrine reacts to Caleb Martin's foul on Jayson Tatum pic.twitter.com/XRchYpbOVh
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) April 21, 2024

This article first appeared on Celtics Life and was syndicated with permission.

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