A determined Boston Celtics team walked out with the win on Friday, after defeating the Miami Heat 101-91, in a game they put away early. Their "Big Four" finished with double figures in scoring and were able to make the series 2-1.
Rajon Rondo finished with 21 points and 10 assists. Paul Pierce, who did not foul out, had 23 points and Ray Allen had 10 points in Game 3.
The Celtics finally realized that Kevin Garnett has the overall height advantage. They fed him inside and he was able to finish with easy buckets. He scored 24 points and grabbed 11 rebounds.
Boston's theme of the night was easy buckets. They scored 56 points in the paint, good for more than half of their final total. Also, they made 26 trips to the free throw line, accounting for 20 of their 101 points.
The Celtics also received stellar defensive efforts from bench players, Keyon Dooling and Marquis Daniels. They were able to contain the Heat offensive, making them play sloppy and were able to chip in on offense combining for 16 points.
In the beginning of Game 3, it seemed like fans were in for another wild finish. Both teams shot over 60 percent from the floor, exchanging baskets and leads. The quarter ended 30-28 but that was also when the Heat stopped scoring.
The second and third quarter grew painful to watch. It might as well have been a college basketball team out on the floor. They probably would have shown more effort than the Heat.
Miami could not buy a bucket in the 2nd quarter, shooting less than 28 percent from the floor. At the half, they were facing a 13-point deficit. So much for that quick first quarter start.
Lebron James, who finished the night with 34 points, went on a bit of a scoring scoring spree, keeping his team in the game and proving why he is the Most Valuable Player. For a few minutes in the third quarter it became Lebron versus the Celtics.
But as we learned from his years in the Cavaliers, James cannot do it by himself.
The Heat did not play defense in the third quarter and began exchanging baskets with the Celtics. It was almost like the Heat did not realize they were losing by a lot.
By the end of the third quarter the Celtics had ran away with the game and were up by 24.
Miami suddenly decided to wake up. Erik Spoesltra placed a new rotation on the floor, praying for a change of fate. Mario Chalmers, Mike Miller, Dwayne Wade, Shane Battier and James played most of the quarter.
They almost made it back, trimming the lead to nine with 3:09 left to play. Ultimately, the Celtics were able to push the lead back up, cementing their Game 3 victory.
This series will boil down to who wants it more. The Boston Celtics proved to be the team that was willing to do whatever it took to win this ballgame.
Game 4 is Sunday night, again in Boston. The Heat will look to place a little more effort in this one, while the Celtics look to continue their attack in attempt to tie the series.
