How to watch the NBA Eastern Conference Finals: Boston Celtics vs Miami Heat Game 3
It was a case of returning the favor in Game 2 for the Celtics, but can they do it again or will Jimmy Butler and co. show Boston what they’re really made of?
With the series tied at 1-1 there is everything to play for in this one as we head to Game 3 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals.
Its the Celtics vs Heat
After Game 1 it seemed like the Boston Celtics were in deep trouble. It wasn’t just that they had lost the opening game of the series to the Miami Heat, but it was more the manner in which they did that suggested they were out of their depth. Then they turned around and returned the favor in Game 2. With that in mind, one can imagine that Game 3 on Saturday night is perhaps the critical game of the series and more over an opportunity for either one of the teams to lay down a marker for the rest of it.
The Heat look to reignite
During Game 1 the Heat led by as many as 25 points in the 3rd quarter before finally cruising their way to a 118-107 win. Things were not nearly as easy in Game 2, however, with the return of Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart who helped the Celtics get back on track as gave the Heat a 127-102 beating. Miami star Jimmy Butler referred to his team’s performance on Thursday night as ‘embarrassing.’ Butler would also go on to critique his own game saying, “I think I have to do a better job of getting everybody else involved, if I’m being brutally honest,” he said. “I have to find that fine medium, that fine line in between when to be aggressive and when to make sure that I can get guys open.” With all that said, it’s apparent that the Celtics have no intention of letting the loss linger in their minds. “We lost a game in the playoffs before,” Heat’s Gabe Vincent said. “It’s a loss, whether you lose by one or by 20. Go back to the drawing board and get ready for Game 3.”
Have the Celtics found their footing?
Whether we take a look at the Heat in Game 1 or the Celtics in Game 2, what is clear is that both of these teams have the capacity to do damage. With both the Marcus Smart and Al Horford back in the mix, the Celtics put on a clinic in Game 2. But it was the way the Heat lost that was so alarming. Boston led 70-45 at halftime as if to punctuate the point. “I think the sign of a good team is how you respond after losses, especially tough ones,” Celtics star Jayson Tatum said. “It just kind of shows the character of the group. We’ve done a really good job most of the year responding after tough losses and situations.” For his part Tatum who scored 27 points on the night will be critical to the Celtics cause. Then of course there is Smart, who spoke openly about the effect he has on his team. “There’s a different type of energy and feel when I’m out there on the court able to bark out the commands and really get into my guys and get them motivated,” Smart said. “It’s like, ‘OK, if he’s going to go out there and do it, I don’t want to be the guy that’s slacking, so I’ve got to come with it.’ That’s the beauty of having me on the court.”
How to watch Heat vs Celtics Game 3
With tip off set for 8:30 p.m. ET at the TD Garden in Boston, MA, the Miami Heat will play host to the Boston Celtics on Saturday May 21st. If you’d like to watch the game on TV then be sure to check ESPN or TNT. On the other hand if you’d prefer to stream the game then its either FuboTV or Sling for you. Also don’t forget to check in with us here, as we’ll be bringing you our live text coverage of all the action on Saturday night!