- 2 hours ago
Category
🥇
SportsTranscript
00:00Currently tied with Charlotte in the 9th spot in the East at 40 and 36.
00:05And I know Boston's got 9 straight wins here.
00:09That's tied for the longest in NBA history by any team against the Heat in Miami.
00:24Miami 24 and 14 here at home.
00:27It was a rough March.
00:28They lost seven of their last nine games entering tonight.
00:37Here's Larson with a shot clock at 6.
00:39He kicks it out.
00:41Adebayo puts it on the floor.
00:43Stops at the foul line and knocks down the jumper.
00:45The hard dribble to get Kena just retreating enough creates the separation for Bam.
00:55Tatum will be defended by Larson, the second-year pro out of Arizona.
00:59Brown got the defender off his feet, hangs in the lane, and gets the first points for the Celtics.
01:05Look at how easy that looked.
01:09He's made a lot look easy this year.
01:11Just had a terrific season.
01:13Career highs across the board for Brown.
01:14Wiggins for track.
01:16Wiggins has shot a career high from deep.
01:18So, good start for him.
01:21Does he become more aggressive because of it?
01:23Brown again gets to the basket.
01:25So, Dave, his read and react game, the highest it's ever been.
01:30Like two moves just put that right into perspective quickly.
01:33Outstart for both teams.
01:35Bam out of Bile from deep.
01:37Career high and made threes for Bam.
01:45Brown with a jab step.
01:46Wiggins an excellent defender.
01:48Kaelin Brown drills the triple.
01:50He's got all seven for Boston.
01:54Could you ask for a better start?
01:58Bam out of Bile.
02:00Remember, it was 22 days ago.
02:03He had 83 points.
02:05He had 31 in the first quarter.
02:06He's got eight already.
02:07Brown has seven and he's fouled here and will go to the line.
02:12Tell it's getting to be about that time.
02:14The playoffs are right around the corner.
02:16So, the read and react.
02:18Just a simple lift.
02:20Look right.
02:21The pace with which that happened and the ease.
02:24Now in transition.
02:26Just get Larson moving a little bit.
02:29Get him underneath the ten so he's got no shot to block the shot.
02:32And then pull the trigger from three.
02:34So, you start in.
02:35You get to the cup.
02:37And then your rhythm jump shot.
02:39Wiggins commits the foul.
02:41Brown career high 80% at the free throw line.
02:45Was one assist shy of a triple-double against the Hawks on Monday.
02:49He's never made first-team All-NBA.
02:52Second-team All-NBA in 2023.
02:57Only ten Boston Celtic players have been named first-team All-NBA.
03:02Now, a lot of those guys were named multiple times, like Byrd, as Larson lost it out of bounds.
03:07But it was last touched by the Celtics.
03:11I think the most impressive thing about Brown's season is probably that he backed up what he believed in his
03:19heart.
03:19And that was that he can be a one-option.
03:23That is definitively proven.
03:27Bam out of bias.
03:29Straight on three.
03:30And he finally missed one.
03:31Tatum with the rebound.
03:34He had made his first three shots from the floor.
03:36Brown really aggressive.
03:37Again, driving deep and laying it up and in.
03:40He has All-11 for Boston.
03:43Now, he talks about, on the catch, I am in attack mode.
03:46Doesn't mean I'm looking to score it every time.
03:47But I am in attack mode.
03:50Wiggins gets past Tatum and missed the shot and a foul.
03:53Tatum with a little bit of a push.
03:55Derek White saying he stepped out of bounds.
03:57But Zach Zarbak calls a foul instead.
04:00Well, Jalen Brown getting started early.
04:02Turned the engine on quickly.
04:04Another drive to the cup.
04:05He's too loud of physicality.
04:07The very subtle sort of push with the right arm.
04:10Not enough.
04:11It wasn't a ton of extension.
04:12He's just letting Pella Larson know,
04:14you're going to have to come through me in order to guard me.
04:17He's so strong.
04:19And Pella Larson, even though it's year two for him in the NBA,
04:24he's not a small guy.
04:25He's pretty strong himself.
04:26And Jalen Brown just bullied him into the lane again.
04:31And I would say it's the start of this feels like
04:34a little bit of a contrast to the last game where he struggled shooting.
04:38It was almost like he knew he was down key guys.
04:41And for the first time all season, I thought pressed
04:44into a poor shooting performance.
04:45Now, he got going a little bit in the fourth.
04:47But tonight, it's just, it's aggressive but in the flow.
04:53Wiggins gets both free throws.
04:5524 points scored in two and a half minutes by these teams.
04:58Hauser on the short.
04:59Pull up.
04:59That's good.
05:00First points for someone other than Jalen Brown in a Celtic uniform.
05:06Here's Davion Mitchell.
05:08Leads the team and assists.
05:09Fires to a cutting hero and he got fouled by Brown.
05:12He'll go to the line.
05:13And you see right away what Miami make or miss.
05:17And you heard Coach Malone allude to this in the studio.
05:21We've got the fastest paced team in Miami.
05:23First in pace.
05:25Eric Spolstra, new system.
05:27Gone away from two-man actions.
05:29Gone away primarily from ball screens.
05:31And the Boston Celtics who play at the 30th.
05:36So the last, the slowest pace in the league.
05:38So real contrast in style.
05:42Boston has been the number one defense in the NBA since February 1st.
05:47They're number four overall in the season.
05:49They also have the number two offense under Joe Mazzula.
05:53Certainly a Coach of the Year candidate.
05:55Just don't ask him about it because you heard publicly this week.
05:59And certainly he's been saying a lot this year.
06:01Just really the first time he let the mass media know how he felt about the Coach of the Year
06:07award.
06:07I'm certainly not going to ask him about it.
06:10He said it's a stupid award.
06:13But look, he just doesn't want to accept the credit.
06:17That's what those comments were about.
06:19As Jalen Brown misses and it's rebounded by Wiggins.
06:23He wants credit for the team.
06:26Coaching staff, the organization rather than him getting it.
06:29Bam gets it.
06:30Swatted by Keita.
06:31Cleaned up by Larson.
06:32He missed with a tip.
06:33And Bam Adebayo's got 10.
06:36Love the persistence.
06:37And there's Larson.
06:38Like, Larson will attack.
06:40To your point about him.
06:41Second-year player, but he's older.
06:43He's aggressive.
06:44There's a physicality to him.
06:47Tatum drills the step-back three.
06:49He's coming off arguably his best game.
06:52His last game Sunday against Charlotte.
06:54Had 32 points and no turnovers.
06:56This is his 12th game of the season tonight.
07:00Here on the drive.
07:02To the corner.
07:04Larson answers for three.
07:06You have 36 points total in four minutes here.
07:09So Miami's objective is to touch the paint.
07:12Ideally off an individual ISO drive, which they do.
07:15And then the spray to three.
07:20Miami is 6 of 9.
07:22Boston is 6 of 7 from the floor.
07:24Brown working on Mitchell.
07:26Spins on him again.
07:27Down the lane.
07:28And another reverse layup for Jalen Brown, who's got 13.
07:37Here on, he'll fire a three.
07:40Off the heel.
07:41Kept alive out of bio.
07:45He'll try again from deep.
07:47This one off the mark.
07:48Rebounded by Tatum.
07:49Already got two threes in this game.
07:55Derek White hasn't taken a shot yet.
07:59Tatum's taken one.
08:00And he made it a three.
08:04He'll launch again.
08:05That one off the side of the rim.
08:10Good position down low.
08:12Grabbed by Tatum.
08:13That's his second foul.
08:15As Adebayo beat him to the spot.
08:19Third team foul on the Celtics.
08:22There's the pace we're talking about, right?
08:24A dead rim run by Bam Adebayo, who is such a fluid athlete.
08:29And he buries Tatum under the cup.
08:31This is what they want.
08:33Ideally, they're touching pain.
08:34No matter how you get there, just get up the floor in a hurry.
08:38He's got him on his back.
08:39So now he's just saying, hey, I'm showing you the numbers on my jersey.
08:43Deliver me the basketball.
08:45In the game that Adebayo scored 83 points, the second most in NBA history, he went to the line 43
08:53times.
08:54He made 36 of those the most ever in an NBA game.
08:58Took 22 threes that night.
09:00I mean, he has upped his three-point attempts by a significant margin, but 22 was an incredible number.
09:09And since then, he's had other big games.
09:11He had a 30-20 game against Houston just 11 days after that 83-point outing.
09:19Three-point lead for the Heat.
09:22Brown drawing Hero.
09:23He's got his hand right in his jersey.
09:28Brown splits the double, kicks it out.
09:30Extra pass.
09:31Now Hauser with two on the shot clock, and the three goes.
09:34But that's all created again.
09:36Now, that's not going to show up on a box score, but that's Jalen Brown's effect.
09:40Mitchell with the kickoff.
09:42Adebayo into the chest of Derek White, and a blocking foul is called.
09:47Great action here.
09:4942 total points, and we're not even halfway through the first.
09:54The NBA on ESPN.
09:56Transition attacking.
09:58His three ball, something that was a weakness coming out of Cal, has become a strength.
10:03His game is very difficult to deal with because it's all three levels.
10:09He had the first 11 points of the game for the Celtics.
10:12He's got 13 on the night so far.
10:15Davion Mitchell's three is there.
10:17That's the fifth three already for Miami.
10:20Miami, a team that's 21st in the NBA in scoring, about 120 a game, and they're already at 24.
10:31Shireman and Peyton Pritchard into the game along with Garza.
10:35Shireman trying to answer and does with a triple.
10:40Four of five for Boston from three.
10:43Miami's five of eight.
10:45Jaquez leading all bench players and scoring with a nice floater against Garza.
10:49He has had a terrific year.
10:51And again, another guy who can get downhill and touch the paint.
10:54Good patience once he got there.
10:58Pritchard, the reigning sixth man of the year, who has started a bunch of games this year.
11:03Most of those when Tatum had yet to play.
11:06Pritchard, nice feet underneath.
11:08That may have been tipped by Ware, but it still went down for Garza.
11:15Tied at 26, outside five minutes to go.
11:18A reach-in foul on Shireman.
11:20They're over the limit, so free throws for Miami the remainder of the quarter.
11:23So Mitchell, in other stops, has not been a three-point threat.
11:28Since he has arrived in Miami, this has become a strength of his.
11:34You mentioned the threes they've made as a team already.
11:36Five, and then Jaquez, again, this new offense, all predicated on individuals' ability to get downhill,
11:44touch the paint, and make plays from there.
11:46That time, Jaquez gets an opportunity for himself.
11:51Tyler Hero, yet to make a field goal.
11:53And yet, Miami has almost 30 points.
11:57Hero the leading scorer, but again, he's only played 29 games this year.
12:01Two straight 30-point games.
12:03He only had one all season prior to this stretch.
12:07He's 4-4 at the line.
12:09It's been an up-and-down, inconsistent year for the Heat.
12:13Some mind-boggling losses to teams you wouldn't expect,
12:17and then a solid record against some of the better teams in the league.
12:21Just the fact that they haven't had their leading scorer for two-thirds of the year,
12:27and they're four games over .500,
12:29and the East as much improved as Pitcher's 3 switches through.
12:33Again, Eric Spoelstra deserves a ton of credit for an excellent coaching job.
12:37He's been one of the best year in, year out the last two decades.
12:40Ware downhill, missed the dunk, but another Boston foul.
12:47How about that move by Kahlil Ware?
12:50On the other end, though, Peyton Pritchard.
12:52You talk about one-on-one individual iso players.
12:54He keeps the defender dancing, gets enough space.
12:58This kid's compete level is off the charts.
13:05And whatever is required of him, he will do.
13:08Ken started early in the year, but come off the bench in 23 of the last 25 games.
13:13Had a 36-point game just over a week ago.
13:16Been up and down from three, but he's 17 of his last 30,
13:20catching fire at the end of the regular season.
13:22And let me call him young man, because he is married now.
13:24Kid just won't cut it.
13:27Because he has played all year like a grown man.
13:31Starter or off the bench, he has given this team what they've needed.
13:36Brown trying to get past Larson.
13:39Turnaround jumper.
13:40Back rim, no.
13:41Garza bats it out, but Larson is there.
13:44Good defense by Pella Larson.
13:46Nero, able to get through the lane, miss the layup with the left hand.
13:56Houser, and another Boston three there.
13:59Six of seven from behind the arc.
14:01Houser, two of two.
14:03Love that.
14:04Nice, efficient use of the dribble by Houser.
14:09Hawkins for three.
14:11Rebound Brown.
14:14That is not a strength for Hawkins.
14:16Only a 30-percent three-point shooter.
14:18Then he fouls Garza, who got deep position on him in transition.
14:23That's the second team foul on Miami.
14:30Adebayo and Kata check in to match up against one another.
14:34Also, Drew Smith getting an early run here for Miami.
14:37What's interesting is you're now double big if you're Miami.
14:42Bam and Kalil Ware on the floor together.
14:48Adebayo defending Brown on the perimeter.
14:51Brown's spinning.
14:55Shireman puts Hero on the deck.
14:57Missed the run on the lane.
14:58Kata has it blocked out of bounds by Hawkins.
15:09Kata thinks he got fouled, obviously.
15:11You see the effectiveness of Bam as a guy who can get down and guard, though.
15:18Houser's three.
15:19My goodness.
15:20Houser, four of four and three of three from behind the line.
15:23He's got 11.
15:25The Celtics are seven of eight from three.
15:29And 72% overall.
15:34Hero stops in the lane.
15:37Missed that one.
15:38Batter around.
15:39Smith with the offensive rebound.
15:40Missed the shot.
15:41And now Shireman out of there with it.
15:48Brown goes and gets it from Kata.
15:51Brown again attacking and lays it out.
15:53Jalen Brown with 15 in the first quarter.
15:56Look at that finish by Jalen Brown.
16:01Ware penetrating.
16:04Loose ball.
16:05Jaquez saves it.
16:06Tipped by Shireman.
16:08Being chased by Smith.
16:09Behind the back.
16:10And on the behind-the-back jam.
16:13The Celtics are rolling right now.
16:1639 points with 2.40 to go in the first quarter as Miami turns it over.
16:21Ten straight Celtic points.
16:25Well, the hustle by Baylor Shireman.
16:28Feels the defender.
16:29Takes it.
16:30Krabi says, I know a better finisher than myself.
16:33DraftKings, the number one sportsbook for live betting.
16:36Use promo code SPLASH when you sign up.
16:39Dave Pasch and Doris Berg in Miami where the Celtics are on a 10-0 run.
16:44Miami, meanwhile, has missed five in a row.
16:46Boston is shooting 75% from the floor.
16:50Pass deflected by Smith.
16:52Miami in that zone right now.
16:54Shot clock at four.
16:55Pritchard from about 30 feet off the back iron.
16:57Just the second Celtics miss from three.
17:00But they get it right back.
17:02Hauser on the spot.
17:04Up three.
17:04It's good.
17:05Hauser's 4-0-4 from behind the arc.
17:08Boy, look out.
17:09He's going to shoot it to that level, this consistently.
17:12Just add another layer to how the Boston Celtics can hurt you.
17:15They haven't turned the ball over either.
17:18A near perfect opening quarter.
17:21Hira with the answer over the outstretched arm of Jalen Brown.
17:26That ends a 13-0 Celtic run.
17:29These teams are combined 13, 14, 4, 20 from three.
17:35Wow, Jalen Brown, how did he get to the corner off the bounce
17:40to get his balance and drain a three?
17:43He's got 20.
17:44Out of bio.
17:45Can't answer.
17:46Rebound Hauser.
17:4745 first quarter points for the Celtics.
17:50Jalen Brown looking for more.
17:52Missed the three, though.
17:54Ware able to fend off Keita and get the defensive rebound.
18:02Here, oh, fancy dribbling straight on three.
18:05No good.
18:06And a foul inside.
18:07As Jalen Brown and Bam out of bio get tangled up
18:10and Keita steps in there.
18:15A little prickly down there.
18:17My goodness.
18:18It started between Jalen Brown and Bam and Keita.
18:22He's not going to allow a teammate to, you know,
18:25have a little altercation without stepping in.
18:29A lot of physicality.
18:31A little bit extra by both guys.
18:34Keita, I'm here too.
18:36Second foul on Brown.
18:38Both he and Tatum with two fouls.
18:41Bam out of bio is one of three at the line.
18:43This is going to be free throws 11 and 12, though, for Miami.
18:49Just two for Boston.
18:52Simone Fontecchio checking in.
18:54Tatum back on the floor for the Celtics.
18:58So, Jalen Brown, the most in a quarter by a Celtic this season
19:04with 20 points and 8 of 11 shooting.
19:06Out of bio missed them both.
19:09The 45 points for the Celtics, a season high.
19:13No, they got 48.
19:14The three-point onslaught continues.
19:18Ten first quarter threes for Boston.
19:20I know they won against Philadelphia, but the stretch prior, one and seven for Miami.
19:26And, ooh, hey.
19:28Punched that out of there as Hawk has tried to spin and hit that short corner, Jay.
19:35Look, this has been a problem for Miami, giving up too much points.
19:39Not the case for the Boston Celtics.
19:42You talked about where they are, defensive efficiency.
19:44How about Keita meeting a nightly responsibility at the five spot?
19:49Tatum in his third year with Boston, fifth in the NBA, has been a revelation this year.
19:54Shot clock at four.
19:55Hawk is on the back down and spin.
19:57Missed the elbow.
19:58Jay rebound.
19:58Tatum.
19:59Boston looking for a two for one.
20:02Tatum to the corner.
20:03Hauser's three is up.
20:05And good!
20:0611 first quarter threes, 51 points.
20:11Eight-second difference in the clocks.
20:14Not a bio on the clock.
20:15Swatted away by Hauser.
20:17And the Celtics will hold for one.
20:22Just an incredible opening frame by Boston.
20:30Hauser's got 17, Brown with 20.
20:33Tatum has three.
20:34He'll shoot for three.
20:35And the side of the rim, but Pritchard is there!
20:37And the putback!
20:39Most points in a quarter this season.
20:4253 for Boston.
20:44And they lead by 20 after one.
20:4811.
20:57It's time for tonight's access, brought to you by Infinity with Joe Mazzula.
21:02After your team puts up an incredible 53 points on the offensive end, what happened there?
21:08We've got to continue to defend.
21:09I thought in the beginning of the game, you know, we were sloppy in our body position.
21:12We were sloppy in our discipline, our game plan execution.
21:15I thought once we picked that up, our defense was able to lead to our offense.
21:18I knew I should have asked about the defense first.
21:21Jalen Brown, you talk all the time, Joe, about giving the game what it needs.
21:25How did he meet that?
21:26Yeah, I mean, I thought he got into the paint, got himself, you know, going with his transition.
21:30And then they sent a couple to the ball.
21:32He played off two feet, made some kick-out passes, got Baylor and Sam going.
21:35Appreciate it.
21:36Thank you.
21:37What do you think about all the, first of all, great questions.
21:40You did a great job, Doris.
21:41You kind of got you there with that first one.
21:42But how about the 53 points the most in any quarter for Boston in 56 years for the Celtics?
21:49Miami actually had a 53-point quarter earlier this season.
21:54Montecchio in the lane, blocked by Garza.
21:59Tatum pull up three.
22:00That one's good.
22:01They've made 12 threes in 13 minutes.
22:06It's funny because the last eight games, their three-point rate has declined a little bit
22:12because of the way teams are guarding them.
22:14Tonight, it's almost like there's been this intentional,
22:16hey, we're coming at you with our game.
22:20Montecchio undercut, so he was fouled on the putback try.
22:24We'll go to the line for two.
22:26And Tatum is starting to get the swagger back.
22:30Like, he has always been an excellent decision maker.
22:33But when he starts making pull-up threes in transition
22:36and then starts blowing on his fingers
22:39and showing you all the little things that he's feeling good about,
22:42look out.
22:45First foul against Pritchard.
22:48You knew Joe was going to go to defense, though,
22:51with your question there.
22:54You knew he was going to point out, even though the 53 points.
22:57That's what coaches do.
22:59They focus on the negative, and it's understandable.
23:01You're working your way towards the postseason.
23:04I'm just kicking myself for not saying I'll get to the defense
23:08and then ask him about the offense.
23:11That's the last time on air you asked a question of a coach.
23:13So this is almost going to make me feel ancient,
23:16but the last time I would have interviewed him,
23:17because when he became head coach I wasn't sidelined,
23:20would have been as a player at West Virginia,
23:21probably the year they go to the Final Four.
23:24With this being Final Four week,
23:26we were actually having a conversation with Missoula
23:28about that 2010 West Virginia team.
23:31He was the point guard for Bob Huggins' squad.
23:35Adebayo picks up the foul his first.
23:39This has been an issue for Miami.
23:41I was touching briefly on,
23:43yes, they won against Philadelphia, big win,
23:45but in that one-and-seven stretch multiple times,
23:48they gave up 135 points.
23:50Defense has been an issue, and they've lost.
23:55Shot clock at five.
23:57Garza launches.
23:58Another Boston three.
23:59The Celtics are 13 of 17.
24:02They lead by 24.
24:07There are many teams in the NBA
24:09that haven't scored 59 points and a half,
24:12and the Celtics are there
24:13with two minutes gone by in the second quarter.
24:20Now, Mitzel, 4-3, not even close.
24:27Tatum's got seven rebounds already
24:30to go with six points and three assists.
24:38Tatum doubled.
24:41Celtics keep possession.
24:43White on the drive.
24:45Garza has it stripped and a foul
24:47on Fontecchio for reaching in.
24:50Second on Miami in the quarter.
24:53Keep talking about Keita.
24:55The backup big for the Boston Celtics
24:57has been this guy, Luka Garza,
24:59who shoots the ball now with three.
25:02Confidence.
25:03I mean, no hesitation.
25:08Garza, and there's a missed three,
25:10which is a rarity tonight for the Celtics.
25:13Adebayo faked the three, drives on Garza,
25:16and fouled.
25:16He'll go to the line again.
25:18He's just one of four.
25:23second on Garza.
25:24So the Celtics are third in the NBA in May threes with 15 per game,
25:30and they're already at 13.
25:31Mm-hmm.
25:37Adebayo's got 11.
25:39He had eight in the first three minutes of the game.
25:44Take a look at our national TV schedule brought to you by 1800 Tequila.
25:48Prime video tomorrow night.
25:49Minnesota's in Detroit.
25:50The Lakers are in Oklahoma City.
25:52L.A.'s won four in a row.
25:53What a march for Luka Doncic.
25:56NBA TV Friday.
25:57Bulls at the Knicks.
25:59The Yorks lost three in a row.
26:01Still in the three spot, though, in the East.
26:03For more, go to NBA.com or visit the NBA app.
26:05600 points for Luka in the month of March.
26:08J.J. Reddick starting to beat the drum for the MVP conversation.
26:12We got 12 days left of NBA regular season basketball.
26:17It is going to be really interesting what happens over the next week and a half
26:21when it comes to the MVP,
26:23because it feels like there are three to four players still in it.
26:28Some feel like Shea Gildas-Alexander still is going to win it,
26:31but you got Wembenyama making a late push, Luka Doncic,
26:36and then there's some other players that have been doing it all year.
26:41Wiggins, good defense, got it back, though.
26:43Did Derek White get another block right there?
26:46Adebayo for three.
26:49White leads all NBA guards in blocks.
26:56Miami had missed 15 of 16 before that made three.
27:01Tatum has it swatted and now Adebayo up the floor.
27:08Montecchio gets a good look and swishes on the triple.
27:11And now Joe Mazzola calls a timeout.
27:16And the Celtics go timeout.
27:26Celtics first in the league in made threes above the break.
27:30They've got 13, Dave.
27:3353 points in the first quarter, if you're just joining us.
27:3711 of those threes came in the first,
27:39the most ever by a Miami opponent.
27:42Tatum catching at the elbow
27:44and knocks down the jumper over Mitchell.
27:48Tatum with eight points and eight boards.
27:52Celtics have led by as many as 25.
27:55Mitchell hangs and is able to hit from about 10 feet in the lane.
28:03And now, after tonight, Miami has five games left.
28:05Two are against Washington.
28:07Two against Toronto and one against Atlanta.
28:10Trying to get to eight in the standings as Tatum buries a triple.
28:15And he's got three threes.
28:19You get the seven or eight in the play and you get two cracks at it.
28:22Miami's made it out of the play in each of the last three years.
28:25He's made it all the way to the finals in 2023,
28:28beating Boston in the conference finals.
28:31Look at Pritchard, battle of the post.
28:35So it's a little Pritchard flair screen to get Tatum in position right to the elbow.
28:42Just enough space to get that jumper off.
28:45Back-to-back, really efficient games by Jason Tatum.
28:49On a file, has it rejected by Walsh.
28:55Everybody hitting threes and everybody getting blocks for Boston.
28:59Tatum.
29:01That hit the shot clock.
29:02He thought he was fouled by Wiggins.
29:05But no call.
29:06I mean, listen, the Celtics play at both ends, right?
29:08Miami's got 44 points.
29:10Jordan Walsh comes over and help.
29:13Can't quite get possession of it, Boston.
29:19And the defense they've played.
29:21So Derek White had a block earlier.
29:23Similar situation, right?
29:24Somebody looks like they're in a little mismatch.
29:26He comes down and helps.
29:31Arrow trying to get past Walsh.
29:33Fires underneath.
29:34Larson with a slap.
29:39I like this young man's game, Dave.
29:41I like there's a physicality to Larson.
29:43Definitely a high level of aggression.
29:47He's essentially tripled his scoring average from his rookie year.
29:51Tough pass there.
29:52That's the first turnover by Boston in the game.
29:57But Miami gives it right back.
29:59And as Mitchell tried to save it on the baseline.
30:01And Jalen Brown and Sam Hauser about to check back in.
30:04They had a combined 37 points.
30:07That's right.
30:0737 points for two guys in a quarter.
30:16Brown had 20.
30:17Hauser with 17.
30:21Hauser at five threes.
30:23Brown hit two.
30:26Midway point of the second quarter.
30:28It's a 20-point lead.
30:34Brown keeps the dribble.
30:36Gets into the lane.
30:37And the bank shot falls.
30:38He's got 22 now.
30:40I mean, that's a ridiculous shot.
30:44The deceleration to the hang time?
30:46Come on.
30:47And the power to get into the lane, too.
30:50At will.
30:50Mitchell inbound on the triple drop.
30:56Brown pick it up where he left off in the first quarter.
30:59Not shot.
31:02Sidestep three.
31:03Off the side of the rim.
31:05He's 9 of 13.
31:07Bam Adebayo beat him down court.
31:10Stripped by Walsh and taken away.
31:14Walsh with the deceleration Eurostep.
31:17The follow is blocked by Hero.
31:23Hero.
31:25Nice sequence by Tyler Hero.
31:28The defense has not necessarily been a big strength of his,
31:32but you've got to be willing to dig it out.
31:34Makes them play on one end and then gets them a step closer.
31:38Just the 30th game of the season for Hero.
31:41Well, a block three attempt by Hauser from Wiggins.
31:45And now Wiggins on the step through.
31:48And he gets the finger all overground.
31:51Miami cuts it to 17.
31:53Well, we're accustomed to seeing Miami play at this pace.
31:56We came on this broadcast talking about Boston plays at the slowest pace.
32:00They've been more than up for the challenge in terms of the pace coming at them.
32:04And another Miami timeout after Garza gets the rebound and the putback.
32:08Boston at the 70-point mark with 4.37 left in the half.
32:15Benefiting the To The Max Foundation, a non-profit founded by Utah Jazz assistant coach Scott Morrison and his wife
32:21Suzanne,
32:22which creates meaningful access and experiences for autistic individuals and their families.
32:27Visit Sotheby's.com slash To The Max Foundation to learn more.
32:31Very cool interview with Malika and Scott and Suzanne on NBA Today.
32:37Just such a cool initiative.
32:41In the lane.
32:42Basket is good for Pella Larson.
32:45Miami's actually outscoring Boston by three here on the quarter, yet down 17 on the ninth.
32:50And how about the Miami Heat are 50% from three, nine for 18, and still have this deficit?
32:56Tatum to the left hand.
32:57Jason Tatum.
32:59A marvelous first half.
33:0113 points, nine rebounds.
33:03And three assists.
33:06Coming off a 32-point game.
33:08And he had 26 in the game before that.
33:11Oh, everybody left Larson.
33:12He just didn't realize it.
33:14Otherwise, he could have just turned around and had an easy bank shot.
33:19White doesn't fall for the pump fake.
33:21Wild shot by Larson.
33:23Got it back.
33:23Fouled.
33:24Caught the basket.
33:25A three-point chance for Larson.
33:28See what I mean about the toughness of this young man.
33:30I mean, he's unafraid.
33:32Those are two excellent post defenders.
33:35He's got to get by Tatum, and he's got to get over Kata as well.
33:39Stick with it, and then earn yourself a trip to the free throw line.
33:43Yet another foul shot.
33:44This is number 17 for the Heat.
33:49First for Larson.
33:51Only two free throws taken by Boston.
33:55Foul was on Kata, his first.
33:59Larson misses.
34:00They're 12 of 17 at the line.
34:03And Jason Tatum's got a double-double already.
34:06Ten rebounds now.
34:10Here's Brown, 21st quarter points, two here in the second.
34:13They double him.
34:14Gets to his spot anyway.
34:16And now Tatum's open, extra pass.
34:18Hauser, he'll fire.
34:20In and out on the threes.
34:22Now missed two in a row after a six-for-six start.
34:27Arrow crosses over Hauser on the other end.
34:29And Derek White not only blocks it, but just takes it away out of midair.
34:35Most blocks by a guard in the NBA since Dwayne Wade in 2009.
34:39On a bio with the layup on the other end after the Celtic turnover.
34:48And now it looks like they might.
34:50Are they back in the zone?
34:51Yeah, you see a lot of communication.
34:54Yep.
34:54They're in the zone for the, like, second maybe time in this half.
34:58And right away, look at the Celtics get the ball to the middle of the zone.
35:01And then an easy pass down.
35:03There's a reason Miami doesn't play a lot of zone against this team.
35:07Celtics carve him up.
35:08Fourth assist for Tatum.
35:13Mitchell front rim to three.
35:15And rebound secured by Tatum.
35:17Or by Cater, rather, his second board.
35:20Brown on the deep catch.
35:22A little too deep.
35:23Tried to dribble out of it.
35:25Lost it, but got it back.
35:27During two minutes to play in the half.
35:30Tatum, shot clock at five.
35:35Brown from mid-range over two defenders.
35:39A shot clock violation.
35:44So, Miami have run a ton of zone coming out of the All-Star break.
35:49But watch the cut by Tatum.
35:51He's just going to get right to the middle of the zone.
35:56And Eric Spoelstra, listen.
35:59It's been in a significant amount of zone post-All-Star, like crazy.
36:03He said, it's become my go-to pitch, but not against this team.
36:08Foul inside on Boston.
36:11First in the last two minutes.
36:13He's on Cater, his second.
36:15This is what I'm talking about.
36:16So, pre-All-Star, about 8.3 possessions of zone.
36:19Coming out of it much higher.
36:23And I love it.
36:24Like, a lot of teams are playing a little bit more zone in the past.
36:28Offensive players are so good.
36:29It gives you a different look.
36:31But, you know, he calls his man-to-man his fastball day.
36:35And this is off-speed.
36:37You know, the zone is off-speed.
36:39To me, it's becoming the primary pitch.
36:41That's how much they're playing it.
36:43And can you do that if you make the playoffs?
36:45Can you do that and win in the postseason?
36:47I mean, opportunistically against certain teams, but not Boston.
36:52Tate of three, no good.
36:54Celtics in a cold spell, which is understandable, as hot as they were.
36:58Cater got the offensive rebound, and he's fouled.
37:00Celebrate Earth Month with the NBA.
37:02Skate to learn how you can score rewards for recycling unwanted clothes.
37:06Claim your free bag today and get started.
37:10First foul in the last two minutes on Miami, so a side out-of-bounds.
37:14Larson picking up the foul, his first.
37:22Tatum having trouble getting the ball inbounds, really close to a five-second violation.
37:26And then Hauser, as he was about to fall out of bounds, turned it over.
37:30And Miami coughs it up right after that.
37:37You're going to say it was actually deflected by the Celtics, so we'll stay with the Heat.
37:44Not sure this matters now, but I'll throw it out there.
37:46The most points scored in a half this year is 88 by Charlotte against Washington.
37:51It looked like Boston was going to get there, but they haven't scored in three minutes now.
38:00Falling away as Jaquez, no good on the shot.
38:03He's one for five.
38:06White driving, pangs, and banks it home.
38:13First shot attempt to the cane for Derek White.
38:17He didn't need to shoot.
38:18Everybody else is making everything.
38:19Hero no good on the three, but offensive rebound for Adebayo.
38:26Good hands by White getting the deflection.
38:29I mean, it's been deflections for, after the tough start by Boston defensively,
38:33it feels like their activity level, they're covering for one another.
38:38You know, they will send an awful lot of doubles, particularly if the ball is in the painted area.
38:44Joe Mazula's ramped up the minutes for his key guys to get in playoff mode.
38:49It feels like playoff mode right now for the Celtics the way they're rolling.
38:53Tatum on the drive.
38:54Strip, but it ends up right at the feet of White who scores.
39:01Leading back to 21.
39:04And a four-second difference in the game in shot clocks.
39:08You've got some tired guys out here.
39:10This has been played at a very fast pace.
39:19Here's Hero with a shot clock at three.
39:21Tatum gets out of the way and gets the pass break up.
39:23Time for Boston.
39:24White with the lob.
39:25Brown the catch and lays it home.
39:27What a gorgeous feed from Derek White.
39:30Deep pass to Larson.
39:31Gets it away in time, but it hits the shot clock.
39:34How about Derek White, Dave?
39:37Unbelievable sequence.
39:38Gets it away in time.
Comments