NBA Twitter ready to give Celtics the title after healthy squad clowns Heat
By Scott Rogust
NBA Twitter users reacted to the Boston Celtics destroying the Miami Heat in Game 2 by the score of 127-102.
The Conference Finals round of the NBA Playoffs began earlier this week, with Jimmy Butler’s huge performance giving the Miami Heat the Game 1 win over the Boston Celtics. Prior to that game, the Celtics announced that they would be without Al Horford and Marcus Smart. Ahead of Game 2 on May 19, it was revealed that Boston would be getting both players back.
As it turns out, their returns were pivotal, as Boston blew out Miami 127-102 to even the series up at one game apiece.
Twitter users shared their thoughts after watching the Celtics dismantle the Heat on the road in Game 2.
NBA Twitter reacts to Celtics destroying Heat in Game 2
Boston entered halftime with a 70-45 lead, which was the largest lead they have had in a road playoff game in franchise history.
Smart missed Game 1 due to a right mid-foot sprain, and he was good to go for the second game of their series against Miami. In his return, Smart scored 24 points (8-for-22 from the field, 5-for-12 from the three-point line) and recorded 12 rebounds to secure a double-double through 40 minutes of playing time.
Horford missed Game 1 after being placed in health and safety protocols. Yet, he cleared after testing negative once for COVID-19 during Boston’s off day and twice in the lead-up to Game 2 on Thursday.
The center scored 10 points, grabbed three rebounds and recorded three assists.
Smart and Horford made an impact defensively for Boston. Smart held the Heat to 3-for-11 shooting from the field when he is the primary defender. Horford forced four turnovers and held the Heat to shooting 2-for-9 from the field. That comes via ESPN Stats and Info.
Butler tried his best to keep Miami in it, but it was not enough. The star recorded 29 points (11-for-18 from the field, 6-for-8 from the free throw line), six rebounds and three assists in 33 minutes of playing time.
The Celtics were at full strength and dismantled the Heat in Game 2. Now, the series returns to Boston for Game 3, which takes place on Saturday, May 21 at 8:30 p.m. ET.