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00:00He's bright lights and lively nightlife of Miami Florida tips off our April 1st NBA Wednesday doubleheader as the Boston
00:08Celtics second place in the Eastern Conference led by first team All-NBA candidate Jalen Brown faced the Miami Heat
00:16currently tied for ninth three weeks removed from Bam Adebayo's historic 83-point night.
00:25Welcome to NBA Courtside presented by Michelob Ultra.
00:30Just 12 days left in the regular season Miami trying to climb the standings while Boston appears destined for the
00:36two seed in the East and Harvey one day pass alongside Doris Burke whether it's no Jason Tatum for the
00:42first 62 games midseason trades doesn't seem to matter the Celtics keep rolling along it's been really a remarkable season
00:50DB for Boston and it just keeps getting better now that Brown and Tatum are in the lineup together for
00:56the Boston Celtics the North Star is always an NBA championship.
00:59So everyone in the group is aware that both guys will have to be elite if they're going to get
01:04to that threshold here are their numbers in the nine games they've played together the hurdle was could they reincorporate
01:11and reestablish Jason Tatum while winning games well look at the record folks nine and two and look out league
01:18because the moments where Jason Tatum looks like himself are stretching and the swagger is back.
01:24On the other side you've got a Miami team that looks destined for the play and for the fourth straight
01:28year they don't need Bam Adebayo to score 83 points obviously every night but they're asking a lot of him.
01:35He's had a lot on his plate on both ends he's accustomed to being the defensive anchor but he played
01:39so long without Tyler Hero who was supposed to be a co-star.
01:43As you said the 83 is unrealistic they'd love to see that 20 get to 23 and maybe 13 but
01:49they now have that sidekick back and Hero was brilliant down the stretch against Philadelphia 30 including 12 in the
01:57fourth two monster threes that makes Bam's life a little easier.
02:00The Celtics and Heat had three straight postseasons including the Eastern Conference finals back in 2023 they battle again tonight
02:09in Miami as this year's playoffs inch closer courtside continues we'll send you back to the studio and tip-off
02:16coming up shortly from Miami.
02:22NBA Courtside is presented by Michelob Ultra Zero zero alcohol just 29 calories.
02:29A little bit here coach because we know that Derek White he's been struggling from outside a little bit as
02:34of late but you see him as a real difference maker for this team.
02:37Why?
02:37I think he's the more underappreciated player on this roster.
02:41Leaves them in made threes assists steals and blocks averaging career high and blocks and steals and to me one
02:48of the best defenders in the NBA and might be one of the best block shotting guard shot blocking guards
02:53in NBA history.
02:54I think Derek White is gonna have a huge impact down the stretch.
02:56It's not just about the Jays it's about Derek White as well.
03:00Well coach at the trade deadline everybody was making a lot of noise because they traded for Vucevic but I'm
03:05gonna show some love to the big man Cater because he's been holding it down shooting 64 percent from the
03:11field averaging eight rebounds.
03:13He ranked 15th in the league in block shots.
03:16He has been doing his thing and his role to the T for the Celtics.
03:20But let's also not forget about the Jays when they're on the court when they're on the court together so
03:24far this year plus 64 over the opposition.
03:27Wendy I know it's working.
03:28You know you know Park is going with the big big man coalition.
03:32I knew you were going with that.
03:33All right time to get you out to South Beach.
03:34We'll see you at halftime.
03:40You know what time it is.
03:42It's game time.
03:44It's the home stretch.
03:46Time to get right.
03:48Body and mind.
03:50I'm back around.
03:50They thought I was down but look at me now.
03:52Look at me now.
03:53Tatum.
03:54It's the guy.
03:55He's in the zone.
03:56Is this the best that you've felt?
03:58I mean, yeah.
04:00I don't ever quit.
04:01All my enemies wish but I never did.
04:03Oh my goodness.
04:05He just did that.
04:06What's possible for the San Antonio Spurs?
04:09Anything's possible.
04:10They've won nine in a row.
04:12Keep the momentum.
04:13Or build it.
04:14The way up shot.
04:16Oh!
04:16An exclamation point.
04:18The moment is coming.
04:21I want it all.
04:22The whole thing.
04:24Not a reason to buy.
04:25I'm on the ball.
04:26For a whole game.
04:27I don't ever be out.
04:31That's a check.
04:32The clock.
04:32Faze.
04:33And saves the Spurs.
04:35To the post.
04:42Welcome to NBA Wednesday.
04:44Presented by State Farm.
04:46Part of the playoff push.
04:48Presented by Advil.
04:50Seven games left for the Boston Celtics.
04:53Six left for the Miami Heat.
04:55The playoffs right around the corner.
04:58Our starting lineup for tonight's game.
05:01Powered by Shopify.
05:03Boston has won seven of its last nine.
05:05A record of 50 and 25.
05:08White, Brown, Hauser, Tatum, and Cato.
05:10The starting five for the Celtics.
05:12They've won 50 games for the fifth straight season.
05:16Longest active streak in the NBA.
05:19Larson, Wiggins, Bam, Hero, and Mitchell.
05:22The five for Miami.
05:23No.
05:24Norman Powell again tonight for the Heat.
05:26Out with an illness for the third straight game.
05:29Bam Adebayo, one of five players in the NBA, averaging a 20-10.
05:34While Boston's dynamic duo of Jason Tatum and Jalen Brown, 9-2 since Tatum's return with Tatum on the floor.
05:43There are a couple games he did not play, and the Celtics lost both those games, including their last outing
05:48Monday against the Hawks.
05:52Jalen Brown very much in the first-team All-NBA conversation, and the MVP conversation for that matter.
06:02Miami currently tied with Charlotte in the ninth spot in the East at 40 and 36.
06:08And I thought Boston's got nine straight wins here.
06:11That's tied for the longest in NBA history by any team against the Heat in Miami.
06:27Miami 24-14 here at home.
06:29It was a rough march.
06:31They lost seven of their last nine games entering tonight.
06:40Here's Larson with a shot clock at six.
06:42He kicks it out.
06:44Adebayo puts it on the floor.
06:45Stops at the foul line and knocks down the jumper.
06:48The hard dribble to get Kena just retreating enough creates the separation for Bam.
06:57Tatum will be defended by Larson, the second-year pro out of Arizona.
07:02Brown got the defender off his feet, hangs in the lane, and gets the first points for the Celtics.
07:07Look at how easy that looked.
07:11He's made a lot look easy this year.
07:13Just had a terrific season.
07:15Career highs across the board for Brown.
07:17Wiggins for Grant.
07:19Wiggins has shot a career high from deep.
07:22So, good start for him.
07:23Does he become more aggressive because of it?
07:26Brown again gets to the basket.
07:28So, Dave, his read and react game, the highest it's ever been.
07:32Like, two moves just put that right into perspective quickly.
07:36What a hot start for both teams.
07:37Bam Adebayo from deep.
07:40Career high and made threes for Bam.
07:48Brown with the jab.
07:49Half-step Wiggins, an excellent defender.
07:51Kaelin Brown drills to Tripoli.
07:53He's got all seven for Boston.
07:57Could you ask for a better start?
08:01Bam Adebayo.
08:03Remember, it was 22 days ago.
08:06He had 83 points.
08:07He had 31 in the first quarter.
08:09He's got eight already.
08:10Brown has seven.
08:11And he's fouled here and will go to the line.
08:14Tell it's getting to be about that time.
08:17The playoffs are right around the corner.
08:19So, the read and react.
08:21Just a simple lift.
08:22Look right.
08:23The pace with which that happened and the ease.
08:27Now in transition.
08:28Just get Larson moving a little bit.
08:31Get him underneath the 10 so he's got no shot to block the shot.
08:35And then pull the trigger from three.
08:37So, you start in.
08:38You get to the cup.
08:39And then your rhythm jump shot.
08:41Wiggins commits the foul.
08:43Brown career high 80% at the free throw line.
08:47Was one assist shy of a triple-double against the Hawks on Monday.
08:52He's never made first-team All-NBA.
08:54Second-team All-NBA in 2023.
09:00Only 10 Boston Celtic players have been named first-team All-NBA.
09:05Now, a lot of those guys were named multiple times, like Bird, as Larson lost it out of bounds.
09:09But it was last-touched by the Celtics.
09:14I think the most impressive thing about Brown's season is probably that he backed up what he believed in his
09:22heart.
09:22And that was that he can be a one-option.
09:26That is definitively proven.
09:30Bam out of bias.
09:32Straight on three.
09:32And he finally missed one.
09:34Tatum with the rebound.
09:36He had made his first three shots from the floor.
09:39Brown really aggressive.
09:40Again, driving deep and laying it up and in.
09:43He has All-11 for Boston.
09:45Now, he talks about, on the catch, I am in attack mode.
09:48Doesn't mean I'm looking to score it every time, but I am in attack mode.
09:52Wiggins gets past Tatum and missed the shot and a foul.
09:56Tatum with a little bit of a push.
09:57Derek White saying he stepped out of bounds, but Zach Zarbak calls a foul instead.
10:03Well, Jalen Brown getting started early.
10:05He turned the engine on quickly.
10:06Another drive to the cup.
10:08He's still a level of physicality.
10:09The very subtle sort of push with the right arm.
10:13Not enough.
10:14It wasn't a ton of extension.
10:15He's just letting Pella Larson know,
10:17you're going to have to come through me in order to guard me.
10:20He's so strong.
10:21And Pella Larson, even though it's year two for him in the NBA,
10:26he's not a small guy.
10:28He's pretty strong himself.
10:29And Jalen Brown just bullied him into the lane again.
10:34And I would say it's the start of this feels like a little bit of a contrast
10:38to the last game where he struggled shooting.
10:40It was almost like he knew he was down key guys.
10:43And for the first time all season, I thought pressed into a poor shooting performance.
10:48Now, he got going a little bit in the fourth.
10:50But tonight, it's just, it's aggressive, but in the flow.
10:56Wiggins gets both free throws.
10:5724 points scored in two and a half minutes by these teams.
11:00Hauser on the short pull-up.
11:02That's good.
11:03First points for someone other than Jalen Brown in a Celtic uniform.
11:08Here's Davion Mitchell, leads the team in assists.
11:12Fires to a cutting hero, and he got fouled by Brown.
11:15He'll go to the line.
11:16And you see right away what Miami make or miss.
11:19And you heard Coach Malone allude to this in the studio.
11:24We've got the fastest-paced team in Miami.
11:26First in pace.
11:28Eric Spoelstra, new system, gone away from two-man actions,
11:32gone away primarily from ball screens.
11:34And the Boston Celtics, who play at the 30th.
11:38So the last, the slowest pace in the league.
11:41So real contrast in style.
11:45Boston has been the number one defense in the NBA since February 1st.
11:49They're number four overall in the season.
11:52They also have the number two offense under Joe Mazzula.
11:56Certainly a Coach of the Year candidate.
11:57Just don't ask him about it, because you heard publicly this week,
12:01and certainly he's been saying a lot this year.
12:03Just really the first time he let the mass media know how he felt
12:08about the Coach of the Year award.
12:10I'm certainly not going to ask him about it.
12:13He said, it's a stupid award.
12:15But look, he just doesn't want to accept the credit.
12:20That's what those comments were about.
12:22As Jalen Brown misses, and it's rebounded by Wiggins.
12:26He wants credit for the team.
12:28Coaching staff, the organization, rather than him getting it.
12:32Bam gets it, swatted by Kata, cleaned up by Larson.
12:35He missed with a tip, and Bam Adebayo's got 10.
12:39Love the persistence.
12:40And there's Larson.
12:41Like, Larson will attack.
12:42To your point about him, second-year player, but he's older.
12:46He's aggressive.
12:47There's a physicality to him.
12:50Tatum drills the step-back three.
12:52He's coming off arguably his best game.
12:55His last game, Sunday against Charlotte,
12:57had 32 points and no turnovers.
12:59This is his 12th game of the season tonight.
13:03De'Reau on the drive.
13:05To the corner.
13:07Larson answers for three.
13:09He had 36 points total in four minutes here.
13:12So Miami's objective is to touch the paint,
13:14ideally off an individual iso drive, which they do,
13:17and then the spray to three.
13:23Miami is 6 of 9.
13:24Boston is 6 of 7 from the floor.
13:27Brown working on Mitchell.
13:28Spins on him again.
13:30Down the lane.
13:31And another reverse layup for Jalen Brown, who's got 13.
13:40Here, oh, he'll fire a three off the heel.
13:44Kept alive out of Bayou.
13:47He'll try again from deep.
13:49This one off the mark.
13:51Rebounded by Tatum.
13:52Already got two threes in this game.
13:58Derrick White hasn't taken a shot yet.
14:02Tatum's taken one.
14:03He made it a three.
14:06He'll launch again.
14:08That one off the side of the rim.
14:13Good position down low.
14:15Grabbed by Tatum.
14:16That's his second foul.
14:18As Adebayo beat him to the spot.
14:22Third team foul on the Celtics.
14:24There's the pace we're talking about, right?
14:26A dead rim run by Bam Adebayo, who is such a fluid athlete.
14:32And he buries Tatum under the cup.
14:34This is what they want.
14:35Ideally, they're touching pain.
14:37No matter how you get there, just get up the floor in a hurry.
14:41He's got him on his back.
14:42So now he's just saying, hey, I'm showing you the numbers on my jersey.
14:46Deliver me the basketball.
14:48In the game that Adebayo scored 83 points, the second most in NBA history.
14:54He went to the line 43 times.
14:56He made 36 of those the most ever in an NBA game.
15:00Took 22 threes that night.
15:03I mean, he has upped his three-point attempts by a significant margin,
15:08but 22 was an incredible number.
15:11And since then, he's had other big games.
15:13He had a 30-20 game against Houston, just 11 days after that 83-point outing.
15:22Three-point lead for the Heat.
15:25Brown drawing Hero.
15:26He's got his hand right in his jersey.
15:31Brown splits the double, kicks it out.
15:33Extra pass.
15:34Now Hauser with two on the shot clock.
15:36And the three goes.
15:37But that's all created again.
15:38Now that's not going to show up on a block score, but that's Jalen Brown's effect.
15:43Mitchell with the kickoff.
15:44Adebayo into the chest of Derek White.
15:46And a blocking foul is called.
15:49Great action here.
15:5142 total points.
15:53And we're not even halfway through the first.
15:57The NBA on ESPN is presented all season long by State Farm.
16:02Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.
16:05And in part by Harbor Freight.
16:07It's set for spring with tools from Harbor Freight.
16:11For Jalen Brown in year 10 out of Cal.
16:14Career highs in scoring, which, by the way, is good for fifth in the NBA.
16:18Rebounding and assists.
16:20And how about this?
16:21The only two all-stars in NBA history to get career high numbers in points, rebounds, assists
16:27in year 10 or later.
16:29Gary Payton, 26 years ago, and Jalen Brown.
16:32And he's showing you exactly how he's done it all year.
16:35He is amongst the best.
16:37Points in the paint per game.
16:39In transition, attacking.
16:40His three ball, something that was a weakness coming out of Cal, has become a strength.
16:45His game is very difficult to deal with because it's all three levels.
16:51He had the first 11 points of the game for the Celtics.
16:55He's got 13 on the night so far.
16:58Davion Mitchell's three is there.
17:00That's the fifth three already for Miami.
17:05A team that's 21st in the NBA in scoring.
17:09About 120 a game, and they're already at 24.
17:14Shireman and Payton Pritchard into the game along with Garza.
17:18Shireman trying to answer and does with a triple.
17:23Four of five for Boston from three.
17:25Miami's five of eight.
17:28Jaquez leading all bench players and scoring with a nice floater against Garza.
17:32He has had a terrific year.
17:34And again, another guy who can get downhill and touch the paint.
17:37Good patience once he got there.
17:41Pritchard, the reigning sixth man of the year, who has started a bunch of games this year.
17:46Most of those when Tatum had yet to play.
17:49Pritchard, nice feet underneath.
17:50That may have been tipped by Ware, but it still went down for Garza.
17:58Tied at 26.
17:59Outside, five minutes to go.
18:01A reach and foul on Shireman.
18:02They're over the limit, so free throws for Miami the remainder of the quarter.
18:06So Mitchell, in other stops, has not been a three-point threat.
18:11Since he has arrived in Miami, this has become a strength of his.
18:17You mentioned the threes they've made as a team already.
18:19Five, and then Jaquez.
18:21Again, this new offense, all predicated on individuals' ability to get downhill,
18:26touch the paint, and make plays from there.
18:28That time, Jaquez gets an opportunity for himself.
18:33Tyler Hero yet to make a field goal, and yet Miami has almost 30 points.
18:40Hero the leading scorer, but again, he's only played 29 games this year.
18:44Two straight 30-point games.
18:46He only had one all season prior to this stretch.
18:50He's 4-4 at the line.
18:52It's been an up-and-down, inconsistent year for the Heat.
18:56Some mind-boggling losses to teams you wouldn't expect,
19:00and then a solid record against some of the better teams in the league.
19:04Just the fact that they haven't had their leading scorer for two-thirds of the year,
19:09and they're four games over .500,
19:12and the East has much improved as Pitchers 3 switches through.
19:15Again, Eric Spoelstra deserves a ton of credit for an excellent coaching job.
19:19He's been one of the best year-in, year-out the last two decades.
19:22Ware downhill, missed the dunk, but another Boston foul.
19:27Ooh.
19:30How about that move by Khalil Ware?
19:32On the other end, though, Peyton Pritchard.
19:34You talk about one-on-one individual iso players.
19:37He keeps the defender dancing, gets enough space.
19:41This kid's compete level is off the charts.
19:47And whatever is required of him, he will do.
19:50Ken started early in the year, but come off the bench in 23 of the last 25 games.
19:55Had a 36-point game just over a week ago.
19:59Been up and down from three, but he's 17 of his last 30,
20:02catching fire at the end of the regular season.
20:04Let me call him young man, because he is married now.
20:07Kid just won't cut it.
20:10Because he has played all year like a grown man.
20:14Starter or off the bench, he has given this team what they've needed.
20:19Brown trying to get past Larson.
20:21Turn around jumper.
20:23Back rim, no.
20:24Garza bats it out, but Larson is there.
20:26Good defense by Pella Larson.
20:29Hero able to get through the lane, miss the layup with the left hand.
20:39Houser, and another Boston three.
20:41They are six of seven from behind the arc.
20:44Houser, two of two.
20:46Love that.
20:46Nice, efficient use of the dribble by Houser.
20:52Hawkes for three.
20:54Rebound Brown.
20:57That is not a strength for Hawkes.
20:59Only a 30-percent three-point shooter.
21:00Then he fouls Garza, who got deep position on him in transition.
21:06That's the second team foul on Miami.
21:13Adebayo and Kata check in to match up against one another.
21:16Also, Drew Smith getting an early run here for Miami.
21:20What's interesting is you're now double big if you're Miami.
21:24Bam and Kalil Ware on the floor together.
21:52Kata thinks he got fouled, obviously.
21:54You see the effectiveness of Bam as a guy who can get down and guard, though.
22:01Houser's three.
22:02My goodness.
22:03Houser, four of four and three of three from behind the line.
22:06He's got 11.
22:08The Celtics are seven of eight from three.
22:12And 72% overall.
22:17Hero stops in the lane.
22:19Missed that one.
22:20Battered around.
22:21Smith with the offensive rebound.
22:22Missed the shot.
22:24And now Shireman out of there with it.
22:31Brown goes and gets it from Kata.
22:33Brown again attacking.
22:35And lays it out.
22:36Jalen Brown with 15 in the first quarter.
22:38Look at that finish by Jalen Brown.
22:43We're penetrating.
22:46Loose ball.
22:47Hawkeyes saves it.
22:49Tipped by Shireman.
22:50Being chased by Smith.
22:52Behind the back.
22:53Behind the back jam.
22:56The Celtics are rolling right now.
22:5839 points with 2.40 to go in the first quarter as Miami turns it over.
23:0310 straight Celtic points.
23:08Well, the hustle by Baylor Shireman.
23:11Feels the defender.
23:12Takes a quick beat.
23:13Says, I know a better finisher than myself.
23:16Celtics on a little bit of a roll.
23:1839 already.
23:27It's DraftKings Sportsbook player Paul Shireman Brown and Bam Adebayo.
23:32Well on their way to eclipsing their season average.
23:34DraftKings the number one sportsbook for live betting.
23:36Use promo code SPLASH when you sign up.
23:40Dave Pasch and Doris Burke in Miami where the Celtics are on a 10-0 run.
23:44Miami, meanwhile, has missed five in a row.
23:47Boston is shooting 75% from the floor.
23:51Pass deflected by Smith.
23:53Miami in that zone right now.
23:55Shot clock at 4.
23:56Pritchard from about 30 feet off the back iron.
23:58Just the second Celtic miss from 3.
24:01But they get it right back.
24:03Hauser on the spot.
24:05Up 3.
24:05It's good.
24:06Hauser's 4-0-4 from behind the arc.
24:08Boy, look out.
24:09He's going to shoot it to that level.
24:11This consistently.
24:13Just add another layer to how the Boston Celtics can hurt you.
24:17They haven't turned the ball over either.
24:19A near perfect opening quarter.
24:22Hero with the answer over the outstretched arm of Jalen Brown.
24:27That ends a 13-0 Celtic run.
24:30These teams are combined 13-14.
24:344-20 from 3.
24:36Wow, Jalen Brown.
24:37How did he get to the corner off the bounce?
24:41To get his balance and drain a 3.
24:44He's got 20.
24:45On a file.
24:46Can't answer.
24:47Rebound Hauser.
24:4845 first quarter points for the Celtics.
24:51Jalen Brown looking for more.
24:53Missed the 3, though.
24:55Ware able to fend off Keita and get the defensive rebound.
25:03Hero fancy dribbling straight on 3.
25:06No good.
25:07And a foul inside.
25:08As Jalen Brown and Bam Adebayo get tangled up and Keita steps in there.
25:16Get a little prickly down there.
25:18My goodness.
25:19Started between Jalen Brown and Bam.
25:21And Keita, he's not going to allow a teammate to, you know, have a little altercation without stepping in.
25:30A lot of physicality.
25:32A little bit extra by both guys.
25:34Keita, I'm here too.
25:37Second foul on Brown.
25:39Both he and Tatum with two fouls.
25:42Bam Adebayo is 1-3 at the line.
25:44This is going to be free throws 11 and 12, though, for Miami.
25:50Just two for Boston.
25:53Simone Fontecchio checking in.
25:55Tatum back on the floor for the Celtics.
25:59So, Jalen Brown, the most in a quarter by a Celtic this season with 20 points and 8 of 11
26:06shooting.
26:07Adebayo missed them both.
26:10The 45 points for the Celtics, a season high.
26:13Now they got 48.
26:15The three-point onslaught continues.
26:18Ten first-quarter threes for Boston.
26:21I know they won against Philadelphia, but the stretch prior, 1-7 for Miami,
26:27and, ooh, Keita punched that out of there as Hawkins tried to spin and hit that short-cornered J.
26:36This has been a problem for Miami, giving up too much points.
26:40Not the case for the Boston Celtics.
26:43You talked about where they are, defensive efficiency.
26:45How about Keita meeting a nightly responsibility at the 5 spot?
26:50Keita in his third year with Boston, fifth in the NBA.
26:53He's got a revelation this year.
26:55Shot clock at four.
26:56Hawkins on the back down and spin.
26:58Missed the elbow.
26:59J. Rebound Tatum.
27:00Boston looking for a two for one.
27:03Tatum to the corner.
27:04Hauser's three is up.
27:05And good!
27:0611 first-quarter threes, 51 points!
27:12Eight-second difference in the clocks.
27:15Not a bio on the clock.
27:16Swatted away by Hauser.
27:18And the Celtics will hold for one.
27:23Just an incredible opening frame by Boston.
27:31Hauser's got 17, Brown with 20.
27:33Tatum has three.
27:35He'll shoot for three.
27:36And the side of the rim, but Pritchard is there!
27:38And the putback!
27:40Most points in a quarter this season.
27:4353 for Boston.
27:45And they lead by 20 after one.
27:4911 of the 20 baskets for the Celtics were three-pointers.
27:56Jalen Brown, 8 of 11, 2 of 3 from 3.
27:59Hauser, 6 of 6, 5 of 5 from behind the arc.
28:03A fascinating opening quarter in Miami for Boston.
28:12Was it Anthony?
28:14Is it party?
28:16Where's the function?
28:17Where the function?
28:19Where the function?
28:20Where the function?
28:29It's time for tonight's access, brought to you by Infinity with Joe Mazzulla.
28:33After your team puts up an incredible 53 points on the offensive end, what happened there?
28:39We've got to continue to defend.
28:40I thought in the beginning of the game, you know, we were sloppy in our body position.
28:43We were sloppy in our discipline, our game plan execution.
28:46I thought once we picked that up, our defense was able to lead to our offense.
28:49I knew I should have asked about the defense first.
28:52Jalen Brown, you talk all the time, Joe, about giving the game what it needs.
28:56How did he meet that?
28:57Yeah, I mean, I thought he got into the paint, got himself, you know, going with his transition.
29:01And then they sent a couple to the ball, played off two feet, made some kick-out passes, got Baylor
29:05and Sam going.
29:06Appreciate it.
29:08You think about all the, first of all, great questions.
29:11You did a great job, Doris.
29:12You kind of got you there with that first one.
29:13But how about the 53 points the most in any quarter for Boston in 56 years for the Celtics?
29:20Miami actually had a 53-point quarter earlier this season.
29:25Montecchio in the lane, blocked by Garza.
29:30Tatum pull up three.
29:31That one's good.
29:32They've made 12 threes in 13 minutes.
29:37It's funny because the last eight games, their three-point rate has declined a little bit because of the way
29:44teams are guarding them.
29:45Tonight, it's almost like there's been this intentional, hey, we're coming at you with our game.
29:51Montecchio undercut, so he was fouled on the putback try and will go to the line for two.
29:57And Tatum is starting to get the swagger back.
30:01Like, he has always been an excellent decision maker.
30:04But when he starts making pull-up threes in transition and then starts blowing on his fingers and showing you
30:11all the little things that he's feeling good about, look out.
30:16First foul against Pritchard.
30:19You knew Joe was going to go to defense, though, with your question there.
30:25You knew he was going to point out, even though the 53 points.
30:28That's what coaches do.
30:30They focus on the negative, and it's understandable.
30:32You're working your way towards the postseason.
30:35I'm just kicking myself for not saying I'll get to the defense and then ask him about the offense.
30:42The last time on air you asked a question of a coach.
30:44So this is almost going to make me feel ancient.
30:47But the last time I would have interviewed him, because when he became head coach I wasn't sidelined, would have
30:51been as a player at West Virginia.
30:53Probably the year they go to the Final Four.
30:55With this being Final Four week, we were actually having a conversation with Missoula about that 2010 West Virginia team.
31:02He was the point guard for Bob Huggins' squad.
31:06And Abayo picks up the foul, his first.
31:10This has been an issue for Miami.
31:12I was touching briefly on, yes, they won against Philadelphia, a big win.
31:17But in that 1-7 stretch, multiple times, they gave up 135 points.
31:21Defense has been an issue, and they've lost.
31:26Shot clock at five, Garza launches, another Boston three.
31:30The Celtics are 13 of 17, they lead by 24.
31:38There are many teams in the NBA that haven't scored 59 points and a half,
31:43and the Celtics are there with two minutes gone by in the second quarter.
31:49Bon Tech, he'll penetrates.
31:52And Abayo trying to collect the offensive rebound, now Mitchell 4-3, not even close.
31:58Tatum's got seven rebounds already.
32:01To go with six points and three assists.
32:09Tatum doubled.
32:12Celtics keep possession.
32:14White on the drive.
32:16Garza has it stripped and a foul on Fontecchio for reaching in.
32:21Second on Miami in the quarter.
32:24Keep talking about Keita.
32:26The backup big for the Boston Celtics has been this guy, Luca Garza,
32:30who shoots the ball now with three.
32:33Confidence.
32:34I mean, no hesitation.
32:39Garza, and there's a missed three, which is a rarity tonight for the Celtics.
32:44Adebayo faked the three, drives on Garza and fouled.
32:47He'll go to the line again.
32:49He's just one of four.
32:52Second on Garza.
32:55So the Celtics are third in the NBA and made threes with 15 per game,
33:01and they're already at 13.
33:08But Adebayo's got 11.
33:10He had eight in the first three minutes of the game.
33:15Take a look at our national TV schedule, brought to you by 1800 Tequila.
33:19Prime video tomorrow night.
33:20Minnesota's in Detroit.
33:21The Lakers are in Oklahoma City.
33:23L.A.'s won four in a row.
33:24What a march for Luca Doncic.
33:27NBA TV Friday.
33:28Bulls at the Knicks.
33:30The Orks lost three in a row.
33:32Still in the three spot, though, in the East.
33:34For more, go to NBA.com or visit the NBA app.
33:36600 points for Luca in the month of March.
33:39J.J. Reddick starting to beat the drum for the MVP conversation.
33:43We got 12 days left of NBA regular season basketball.
33:48It is going to be really interesting what happens over the next week and a half
33:52when it comes to the MVP because it feels like there are three to four players still in it.
33:59Some feel like Shea Gildas Alexander still is going to win it,
34:02but you got Wembenyama making a late push, Luca Doncic,
34:07and then there are some other players who have been doing it all year.
34:12Wiggins, good defense, got it back, though.
34:14Did Derek White get another block right there?
34:17Adebayo for three.
34:20White leads all NBA.
34:23Guards in blocks.
34:27Miami had missed 15 of 16 before that made three.
34:32Tatum has it swatted and now Adebayo up the floor.
34:39Montecchio gets a good look and switches home a triple.
34:43And now Joe Mazzullo calls a timeout.
34:48And the Celtics call timeout.
35:00By State Farm, we have another double header for you next week with the Hawks and Cavs,
35:05followed by the Blazers and Spurs.
35:06The NBA countdown crew starts it at 6.30.
35:11So the Celtics have 13 made threes.
35:15Miami has 11 field goals.
35:18Six different guys have put it through the net from distance.
35:30And then Garza, the Celtics first in the league in made threes above the break.
35:39They've got 13, Dave.
35:4253 points in the first quarter, if you're just joining us.
35:4611 of those threes came in the first, the most ever by a Miami opponent.
35:51Tatum catching at the elbow and knocks down the jumper over Mitchell.
35:57Tatum with eight points and eight boards.
36:00The Celtics have led by as many as 25.
36:03Mitchell hangs and is able to hit from about 10 feet in the lane.
36:12After tonight, Miami has five games left.
36:14Two are against Washington.
36:16Two against Toronto and one against Atlanta.
36:19Trying to get to eight in the standings as Tatum buries a triple.
36:24And he's got three threes.
36:28You get the seven or eight in the play and you get two cracks at it.
36:32Miami's made it out of the play in each of the last three years.
36:34Made it all the way to the finals in 2023.
36:37Beating Boston in the conference finals.
36:40Look at Pritchard battling the post.
36:44So it's a little Pritchard flair screen to get Tatum in position right to the elbow.
36:51Just enough space to get that jumper off.
36:54Back-to-back really efficient games by Jason Tatum.
36:58Out of bio.
37:00Has it rejected by Walsh?
37:03Everybody hitting threes and everybody getting blocks for Boston.
37:08Tatum.
37:10That hit the shot clock.
37:11He thought he was fouled by Wiggins.
37:13But no call.
37:15I mean, listen, the Celtics play at both ends, right?
37:17Miami's got 44 points.
37:19Jordan Walsh comes over and helps.
37:22Can't quite get possession of it, Boston.
37:28And the defense they've played.
37:30So Derek White had a block earlier.
37:32Similar situation, right?
37:33Somebody looks like they're in a little mismatch.
37:35He comes down and helps.
37:40Aero trying to get past Walsh.
37:43Fires underneath.
37:43Larson with the slap.
37:46Larson!
37:48I like this young man's game, Dave.
37:50I like there's a physicality to Larson.
37:52Definitely a high level of aggression.
37:56He's essentially tripled his scoring average from his rookie year.
38:00Tough pass there.
38:01That's the first turnover by Boston in the game.
38:06And Miami gives it right back.
38:08And as Mitchell tried to save it on the baseline.
38:10And Jalen Brown and Sam Hauser about to check back in.
38:13They had a combined 37 points.
38:16That's right, 37 points for two guys in a quarter.
38:25Brown had 20.
38:26Hauser with 17.
38:30Hauser at five threes.
38:32Brown hit two.
38:35Midway point of the second quarter.
38:37It's a 20-point lead.
38:43Brown keeps the dribble.
38:45Gets into the lane.
38:46And the bank shot falls.
38:47He's got 22 now.
38:49I mean, that's a ridiculous shot.
38:53The deceleration to the hang time?
38:55Come on.
38:56And the power to get into the lane, too.
38:58At will.
38:59Mitchell in and out on the triple drop.
39:05Brown pick it up where he left off in the first quarter.
39:08He's not shot.
39:10Side step three.
39:12Off the side of the rim.
39:14He's 9 of 13.
39:16Bam Adebayo beat him down court.
39:19Stripped by Walsh and taken away.
39:23Walsh with the deceleration.
39:25Euro step.
39:26The follow is blocked by Hero.
39:32Hero.
39:33Got it.
39:34Nice sequence by Tyler Hero.
39:36You know, the defense has not necessarily been a big strength of his.
39:41But you've got to be willing to dig it out.
39:43Makes them play on one end and then gets them a step closer.
39:47Just the 30th game of the season for Hero.
39:50A blocked three attempt by Hauser from Wiggins.
39:54And now Wiggins on the step through.
39:57And he gets the finger all over Brown.
40:00Miami cuts it to 17.
40:03We're accustomed to seeing Miami play at this pace.
40:05We came on this broadcast talking about Boston plays at the slowest pace.
40:09They've been more than up for the challenge in terms of the pace coming at them.
40:13And another Miami timeout after Garza gets the rebound and the putback.
40:17Boston at the 70-point mark with 4.37 left in the half.
40:22The NBA on ESPN.
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40:34Partnership with the NBA and the NBA Coaches Association.
40:37Coaches across the league are wearing custom autism-themed Nike shoes
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40:46from May 12th to May 18th with 100% of the proceeds.
40:50Benefiting the To The Max Foundation, a non-profit founded by Utah Jazz assistant coach Scott Morrison
40:55and his wife Suzanne, which creates meaningful access and experiences
40:59for autistic individuals and their families.
41:02Visit Sotheby's.com slash To The Max Foundation to learn more.
41:06Very cool interview with Malika and Scott and Suzanne on NBA Today.
41:11Just such a cool initiative.
41:16In the lane.
41:17Basket is good for Pella Larson.
41:20Miami's actually outscoring Boston by three here in the quarter, yet down 17 on the ninth.
41:25And how about the Miami Heat are 50% from three, nine for 18, and still have this deficit.
41:30Tatum to the left hand.
41:32And Jason Tatum, a marvelous first half, 13 points, nine rebounds.
41:37And three assists.
41:40Coming off a 32-point game.
41:43And he had 26 in the game before that.
41:45Oh, everybody left Larson.
41:47He just didn't realize it.
41:48Otherwise, he could have just turned around and had an easy bank shot.
41:53White doesn't fall for the pump fake.
41:56Wild shot by Larson.
41:57Larson got it back, fouled, caught the basket.
42:00A three-point chance for Larson.
42:03See what I mean about the toughness of this young man.
42:05I mean, he's not afraid.
42:07Those are two excellent post defenders.
42:09He's got to get by Tatum, and he's got to get over Kata as well.
42:14Stick with it, and then earn yourself a trip to the free throw line.
42:18Yet another foul shot.
42:19This is number 17 for the Heat.
42:23First for Larson, only two free throws taken by Boston.
42:30Foul was on Kata, his first.
42:33Larson misses.
42:34They're 12 of 17 at the line.
42:38And Jason Tatum's got a double-double already.
42:40Ten rebounds out.
42:44Here's Brown, 21st quarter points, two here in the second.
42:48They double him, gets to his spot anyway, and now Tatum's open, extra pass.
42:53Hauser, he'll fire.
42:55In and out on the threes.
42:56Now missed two in a row after a six-for-six start.
43:01Hero crosses over, Hauser on the other end, and Derek White not only blocks it,
43:06but just takes it away out of midair.
43:10Most blocks by a guard in the NBA since Dwayne Wade in 2009.
43:14A lot of bio with the layup on the other end after the Celtic turnover.
43:23And now it looks like they might.
43:25Are they back in the zone?
43:26Yeah, you see a lot of communication.
43:29Yep, they're in the zone for the, like, second maybe time in this half, and right away,
43:33look at the Celtics get the ball to the middle of the zone, and then an easy pass down.
43:38There's a reason Miami doesn't play a lot of zone against this team.
43:42Celtics carve him up, fourth assist for Tatum.
43:47Mitchell, put him to three, and rebound secured by Tatum, or by Cater, rather, his second board.
43:55Brown on the deep catch.
43:57A little too deep.
43:58Tried to dribble out of it, lost it, but got it back.
44:01Nearing two minutes to play in the half.
44:06Tatum, shot clock at five.
44:10Brown from mid-range over two defenders.
44:13A shot clock violation.
44:18So, Miami have run a ton of zone coming out of the All-Star break.
44:23But watch the cut by Tatum.
44:25He's just going to get right to the middle of the zone.
44:31And Eric Spoelstra, listen, it's been in a significant amount of zone, post-All-Star, like crazy.
44:38He said, it's become my go-to pitch, but not against this team.
44:43Foul inside on Boston.
44:45First in the last two minutes.
44:48He's on Cater, his second.
44:49This is what I'm talking about.
44:51So, pre-All-Star, about 8.3 possessions of zone.
44:55Coming out of it much higher.
44:58And I love it.
44:59Like, a lot of teams are playing a little bit more zone in the past.
45:02Offensive players are so good, it gives you a different look.
45:06But, you know, he calls his man-to-man his fastball day.
45:10And this is off-speed.
45:12You know, the zone is off-speed.
45:13To me, it's becoming the primary pitch.
45:15That's how much they're playing it.
45:17And can you do that if you make the playoffs?
45:19Can you do that and win in the postseason?
45:22I mean, opportunistically against certain teams, but not Boston.
45:27Tatum's three, no good.
45:29Celtics in a cold spell, which is understandable, as hot as they were.
45:33Cater got the offensive rebound, and he's fouled.
45:35Celebrate Earth Month with the NBA.
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45:41Claim your free bag today and get started.
45:45First foul in the last two minutes on Miami.
45:47So a side out of bounds.
45:49Larson picking up the foul, his first.
45:57Tatum having trouble getting the ball in bounds.
45:59Really close to a five-second violation.
46:01And then Hauser, as he was about to fall out of bounds, turned it over.
46:05And Miami coughs it up.
46:06Right after that.
46:12I'm going to say it was actually deflected by the Celtics, so it will stay with the Heat.
46:18Not sure this matters now, but I'll throw it out there.
46:21The most points scored in a half this year is 88 by Charlotte against Washington.
46:26It looked like Boston was going to get there, but they haven't scored in three minutes now.
46:35Falling away is Hawkins.
46:36No good on the shot.
46:37He's one for five.
46:41White driving, hangs, and banks it home.
46:48First shot attempt to the game for Derek White.
46:52He didn't need to shoot.
46:53Everybody else is making everything.
46:54Hero no good on the three, but offensive rebound for Adebayo.
47:00Good hands by White getting the deflection.
47:03I mean, it's been deflections for, after the tough start by Boston defensively, it feels like their activity level, they're
47:11covering for one another.
47:12You know, they will send an awful lot of doubles, particularly if the ball is in the painted area.
47:19Joe Mazzoula's ramped up the minutes for his key guys to get in playoff mode.
47:24It feels like playoff mode right now for the Celtics the way they're rolling.
47:28Tatum on the drive strip, but it ends up right at the feet of White who scores.
47:36Laid back to 21.
47:39And a four-second difference in the game and shot clocks.
47:43You've got some tired guys out here.
47:45This, this has been played at a very fast pace.
47:53Here's Hero with a shot clock at three.
47:55Tatum gets out of the way and gets the pass breakup.
47:58Time for Boston.
47:59White with the lob, Brown the catch, and plays it home.
48:02What a gorgeous feed from Derek White.
48:05Deep pass to Larson.
48:06Gets it away in time, but it hits the shot clock.
48:09How about Derek White, Dave?
48:12Unbelievable sequence.
48:13Eighty-first half points for Boston and a 23-point lead.
48:18Coming up on halftime, presented by Hyundai, Malika joined by Wendy, Coach Malone, and Perk to break down this offensive
48:25explosion by the Celtics.
48:27We'll also look ahead to game two of our doubleheader between the Spurs and Warriors.
48:32Derek White, to end that half, you talked about the playoff feel, everything.
48:38Just watch the speed with which they change ends of the floor.
48:41And the lead pass, heck of a pass, heck of a catch.
48:45He had to recover the length of the floor to make this tough.
48:49That is what you call championship effort.
48:56The Celtics, they lead 80-57.
48:59They scored 53 in the first quarter.
49:04Our first half stats brought to you by Renvoke.
49:08Jalen Brown had 20 in the first quarter.
49:1024 total for the half.
49:12Jason Tatum, 13 points, 12 rebounds.
49:15They passed.
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