The Miami Heat took back the home-court advantage in the Eastern Conference Finals on Saturday night by defeating the Boston Celtics, 109-103. After having a 26-point lead in the first half, the Heat lost Jimmy Butler in the second half due to a knee issue.
The Celtics fought back and cut the deficit to as low as one point, but Miami held onto the lead and won the game. Jimmy Butler has undoubtedly been the MVP for the Miami Heat in the playoffs.
Some would argue that he has been the best overall player in the postseason. To lose a player of that caliber in the middle of a game is always devastating.
It also leaves little room for preparation to make adjustments. Still, Erik Spoelstra and the Miami Heat were able to make the right adjustments.
Without Butler, other players needed to step up and that is exactly what happened for the Heat. The overall Heat squad played tenaciously together.
They stole the ball 19 times, one steal short of a playoff record. They forced 23 Celtics turnovers while only having eight of their own.
In addition to their stifling defense, they also shot the ball pretty well (at least in the first half).
As great as Miami played as a team, there were a few players who stepped up big time to help lead them to victory. They deserve the credit.
Here are the three players who were crucial to the Miami Heat’s Game 3 victory over the Celtics.