Celtics' defensive prowess shines in commanding victory over Heat in Game 3.

 MIAMI -- Following what could be described as one of the postseason's most unexpected outcomes so far — the undermanned, 8th-seeded Heat defeating the 1st-seeded Celtics in Game 2 to even their first-round series — speculation naturally arose about the trajectory of Game 3, which carried significant weight.

Would Boston, reeling from their puzzling loss, bounce back to resemble the dominant force that clinched the East with a comfortable margin in the regular season? Or had coach Erik Spoelstra and his resilient squad discovered a winning formula to continue upsetting the odds as they did in the previous postseason?

The resounding answer turned out to be the former.

In stark contrast to their Game 2 defeat where they allowed a staggering 23 three-pointers, the Celtics exhibited a significantly more aggressive and physical defensive stance on Saturday night, suffocating the Heat in a commanding 104-84 victory to claim a 2-1 series lead.

Game 4 is slated for Monday in Miami.

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Boston's stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown revealed that coach Joe Mazzulla had challenged them to elevate their defensive intensity, particularly after witnessing Miami's barrage from beyond the arc in Game 2.

"Everyone acknowledges our talent. But can we also be the grittier, more tenacious team?" remarked Tatum, who registered 22 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists. "If we can blend that toughness with our talent, it'll be a formidable challenge for any opponent.

"Can we establish dominance from the outset instead of merely responding? That's a challenge we need to rise to every single game."

The Celtics wasted no time in responding to Mazzulla's call to arms. Guard Jrue Holiday and his cohorts tightened their defensive grip early, limiting the Heat to a mere three points in the opening 6 minutes and 46 seconds. Boston conceded just 12 points on a 5-for-21 shooting performance in the first quarter, described by Mazzulla as "a gritty, physical... grind."

Boston willingly embraced the physicality defensively, pressing higher and imposing stricter defensive guidelines following Miami's record-setting display in Game 2.

"No easy shots allowed. We respected their shooting prowess. They're NBA caliber players and can catch fire any given night," explained Brown, who led all scorers with 23 points. "Our aim was to disrupt their rhythm."

The outcome was stark: Miami managed just 9-of-28 shooting from beyond the arc, a vast contrast from their 23-of-43 spectacle three days earlier. Heat's playmaker Tyler Herro, who shone in Game 2 with 24 points and 14 assists, struggled throughout the night, converting only 5-of-16 attempts for 15 points and committing four turnovers. He failed to convert any of his contested shots, as per ESPN Stats & Information data.

The Heat's tally of 84 points marked their lowest output of the entire season, including playoffs.

"They outmuscled us. They played more physically," lamented Spoelstra, highlighting how Boston's physicality consistently disrupted Miami's offensive rhythm and execution.

Boston efficiently converted their intensified defensive pressure into offensive opportunities, capitalizing on Miami's turnovers to rack up 24 points. In contrast, the Heat managed a mere four points off Celtics' errors.

If Boston maintains their relentless approach displayed in Game 3, Miami — who ousted Boston as underdogs in last year's conference finals — could face an arduous task mounting a comeback this time. With star wing Jimmy Butler sidelined due to an MCL sprain and guard Terry Rozier out with neck spasms, the Heat, already grappling with offensive struggles at times, find themselves with limited offensive creativity against one of the league's premier defensive units.

"We possess the necessary tools to get the job done," asserted Spoelstra. "We understand the importance of playing with intensity and executing effectively."