The Celtics' Game 2 upset by Miami is a mix of anomaly and worry, with the Heat's unexpected dominance leaving Boston questioning the reality of their playoff ghosts.

By the Numbers
  • Miami achieved a franchise playoff record with 23 made 3-pointers at a 53.5% accuracy.
  • The Celtics were limited to just 32 3-point attempts, the fourth-fewest in a game this season.
  • Only Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown scored over 13 points, hinting at Boston's offensive struggles.
Yes, But

The Celtics, despite vulnerabilities shown in Game 2, are still heavily favored to win the series in five or six games.

State of Play
  • The Miami Heat surprised with a robust offensive strategy, shifting from their usual defensive schemes to outshoot and outplay the Celtics.
  • Boston struggled with Miami's aggressive defense, limited ball movement, and poor performance from key players, raising concerns about their ability to counter the Heat's tactics.
What's Next

Boston is expected to make necessary adjustments, targeting defensive improvements and offensive strategies to contain Miami's sharpshooters and regain control of the series.

Bottom Line

The Celtics must swiftly adapt and respond to Miami's unexpected Game 2 triumph to secure their position as favorites and avoid further playoff setbacks.