1. Limiting Kristaps Porzingis
There is one major difference with this Celtics squad this season compared to last season: the addition of Kristaps Porzingis. This 7-foot-3 center has the capability to stretch the floor at an elite level. Going from an often-injured Robert Williams to a big man with more length and shooting ability has opened the game up for Boston's five-out offense.
Porzingis has taken them to new heights as they saw themselves earn the top overall seed across both conferences and stack up 64 wins this season. In Game 1, he contributed 18 points on an efficient 7 for 13 shooting and 4 for 8 from distance.
It was a different story on Wednesday, as he finished with six points on an abysmal 1 for 9 shooting and 0 for 4 from 3-point range. By having the 6-foot-10 Jovic guard him from the jump and switching smaller wings onto him, the Heat virtually took Porzingis out of the game. Without Porzingis’ impact offensively, it made the Celtics look more similar to how they did a year ago.
Porzingis has been a Heat killer in four out of the five last matchups between these two teams this season (regular season included). It shouldn’t be a coincidence that the only Miami win against Boston this season has come after shutting Porzingis down.