Heat Barrage Stuns Celtics, Thunder Thrash Pelicans

The Miami Heat leveled their Eastern Conference playoff series with a decisive 111-101 victory over the favored Boston Celtics in a stunning reversal of fortunes. The Heat, who had previously been routed by 20 points, ignited the court with a near-record 23 three-pointers.

Tyler Herro emerged as the standout performer, contributing 24 points to the win. “After a tough loss in the first game, we all stepped up,” Herro remarked. His performance included six three-pointers and 14 assists, with the Heat’s starting lineup all scoring in double figures.

Despite the absence of key players Jimmy Butler and Terry Rozier due to injuries, Miami’s determination shone through. Caleb Martin, who scored 21 points, reflected on the team’s mindset: “We came in with the intention to shoot confidently from the three-point line, unlike our hesitation in game one.”

On the Celtics’ side, Jaylen Brown led with 33 points, and Jayson Tatum added 28, but their team struggled beyond the arc, making only 12 out of 32 three-point attempts.

The series now shifts to Miami for the pivotal third game on Saturday.

In other NBA action, the Oklahoma City Thunder took a commanding 2-0 lead in their Western Conference playoff series against the New Orleans Pelicans.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had a standout postseason performance, scoring 33 points in the Thunder’s overwhelming 124-92 win. The teams are set to face off again in New Orleans for game three on Saturday.

Reported By BBC Sports