The Boston Celtics dropped yet another key game as the Eastern Conference’s postseason picture gets tighter, falling at TD Garden to the Miami Heat 130 – 124 after the Celtics fell behind big early in what has become a familiar story for Boston fans.
The loss of big man Robert Williams III at the half and the absence of All-Star forward Jaylen Brown had already stacked the odds against the Celtics facing a surging, mostly-healthy heat, and sloppy defense and costly mistakes in the first half dug Boston a 26-point hole from which it wasn’t able to dig out of in its usual second-half comeback attempt.
Both teams shot above 50% from the field in this contest, but Miami started out scorching hot from beyond the arc, and the Celtics hit on just 36.8% of their 3s compared to the Heat’s 45.7% success rate.
Boston’s postseason picture has been downgraded after the loss to the Chicago Bulls on Friday. https://t.co/k270ApJrtR
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) May 9, 2021
Boston was led by 30 points and 8 assists from veteran guard Evan Fournier, his high to date with the Celtics, with forward Jayson Tatum adding 29 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists. Rookie forward Aaron Nesmith chipped in 16 points off of the bench, tying his career high.
The Celtics now fall to 35 – 33 on the season and seventh in the East ahead of a Tuesday home rematch with the Heat.
This post originally appeared on Celtics Wire. Follow us on Facebook!
