5 Underrated Heat performances from stunning Game 2 win
2. Caleb Martin
2023 Eastern Conference finals Caleb Martin made a return to crush the hearts of Celtics fans at TD Garden during Game 2. He finished with 21 points and two rebounds on 7 for 12 shooting and 5 for 6 from 3-point range. After a rough four-point outing in Game 1, it was clear Martin was in need of a bounce-back performance himself.
Being undermanned without the services of two elite scorers in Butler and Terry Rozier, it is important that there is a role player capable of providing an effort like this to supplement Herro and Bam Adebayo on offense. Martin showed he can still be that valuable X-factor in a playoff atmosphere. His efficient shot-making and no hesitation from beyond the arc was needed to earn this upset on the road.
He has always been an elite two-way guy in the Heat's system. He opened the game up with his shot-making but still provided that disruptive wing defense that the team is accustomed to seeing from him. If this performance ignites Martin's confidence, then the Celtics could be in for a longer series than expected.