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.
Miami Heat: 3 Key Players In Game 3 Victory Over Boston – P.J. Tucker
There cannot be enough said about how great P.J. Tucker has been for the Miami Heat this year.
P.J. Tucker
Even at 37 years of age, Tucker is one of the best and most versatile defenders in the league. He gives the Heat a lot of defensive flexibility.
On Saturday night, he showed why he is the best player-stopper on the Heat. P.J. Tucker was tasked with being the primary defender on Jayson Tatum for the majority of the game.
It became clear that Tucker was bothering him. That showed up in the box score, as Tatum was held to only ten points, but it was also the feistiness and pushing around that doesn’t show up on the stat sheet that made the difference.
The defense that P.J. Tucker played in Game 3 would be deserving enough to earn recognition, but he also delivered on the offensive end. Tucker chipped in 17 points.
He also maintained his efficient three-point stroke, hitting three triples on 50 percent shooting. Tucker is totally a gamer.
Miami Heat: 3 Key Players In Game 3 Victory Over Boston – Victor Oladipo
When you think of the motto “next man up”, this is the player who should come to mind for Miami in Game 3.
Victor Oladipo
Victor Oladipo did not play in the first half. When Jimmy Butler left the game in the second half, the Heat needed Dipo to take his place.
He did an excellent job. Oladipo turned back the clock on Saturday night and showed why he used to be an All-NBA defender.
He was one of the main defenders on Jaylen Brown in the second half. Although Brown had a hot shooting night with 40 points, he also had seven turnovers, and five of which came in the third quarter.
Many of those were caused by Victor Oladipo’s stifling defense. Oladipo finished the game with four steals and he probably forced even more turnovers.
He was everywhere in Game 3. The Miami Heat needed someone to step up and he made an immediate impact.
He deserves all the credit and respect.
Miami Heat: 3 Key Players In Game 3 Victory Over Boston – Bam Adebayo
Bam Adebayo stepped up big time in Game 3 and reminded us all why he is an NBA All-Star. Bam exploded for 31 points including a huge shot late in the game.
Bam Adebayo
He was much more dominant and aggressive in this game than he had been in the previous two games. There are a few reasons for this.
First, Kyle Lowry returned to action. It was obvious right away that Kyle Lowry made it a priority of his to get Bam involved early.
Lowry had been watching from the sidelines. As one of the smartest players in the game, he knew Bam would be able to dominate if he took more shots.
Lowry knew that he would be the guy to help him get more shots. Once Bam gained confidence early, he had an easy time shooting over the top of players and using his strength inside the paint.
Second, Robert Williams was out for the Celtics. Williams ranked third in blocks this season.
He is the Celtics’ best interior defender and he was one of the people who made it difficult for Bam to score inside for the first two games. Without that interior defense, Bam had an easier time attacking the paint and getting into position to score.
The third reason Bam played so well is his mentality. Bam hates playing poorly, so having two subpar games in a row definitely motivated him to bring his A-game.
Once Bam decided that he would be at his best in Game 3, nothing was stopping him. He was a force that lifted the Miami Heat to victory.
If he continues to play like that for the rest of the series, the Heat will make it to the NBA Finals. And if they can continue getting this kind of support for Jimmy Butler from the rest of the squad, they can win the whole thing after they get there.