In a commanding performance, the Boston Celtics secured a resounding 114-94 victory over the Miami Heat in the opening game of their first-round playoff series. Tatum, delivering a stellar performance, recorded 23 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists, marking his first career playoff triple-double and setting the tone for the Celtics’ strong start to the postseason.
Contributions from multiple Celtics players underscored the team’s depth and cohesion, with six players reaching double figures in scoring. Derrick White notably added 20 points and four assists to Boston’s winning effort.
The Celtics, fueled by the fervent support of the TD Garden crowd, unleashed a barrage of 22 three-pointers while outscoring the Heat 31-14 in a dominant third quarter. Although Miami attempted a late resurgence, trimming the deficit to 14 points, Boston maintained composure to seal the victory, showcasing resilience reminiscent of their regular-season dominance at home, boasting a remarkable 38-4 record.
Despite missing key players such as Jimmy Butler and Terry Rozier due to injuries, the Heat struggled to contain Boston’s offensive onslaught. Bam Adebayo led Miami’s scoring with 24 points, supported by Delon Wright with 17 points and Jaime Jaquez Jr. with 16 points.
Looking ahead, the Celtics aim to carry the momentum into Game 2 scheduled for Wednesday in Boston, eager to further assert their dominance in the series.
In other playoff action, the Los Angeles Clippers emerged victorious against the Dallas Mavericks with a 109-97 win. James Harden’s stellar performance, alongside Ivica Zubac’s double-double, propelled the Clippers to victory despite the absence of Kawhi Leonard.
Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Bucks secured a 109-94 win over the Indiana Pacers in their Eastern Conference playoff opener. Damian Lillard’s remarkable 35-point display in the first half proved instrumental in filling the void left by Giannis Antetokounmpo’s absence due to injury, guiding the Bucks to a commanding victory.
As the playoff battles intensify, each team strives to assert its dominance and advance deeper into the postseason, setting the stage for compelling matchups and unforgettable moments on the hardwood.
