NBA Recap: Heat’s Three-Point Barrage Stuns Celtics, Thunder Dominate Pelicans

In a captivating showdown in the NBA Eastern Conference playoffs, the Miami Heat delivered a stunning upset against the top-seeded Boston Celtics, tying the series at 1-1. Despite playing without the injured Jimmy Butler, the eighth-seeded Heat displayed resilience and teamwork to secure a crucial victory. Tyler Herro scored for Miami with 24 points, supported by a balanced offensive effort from all five starters, each contributing double-digit points. The key to Miami’s success lay in their exceptional three-point shooting, with the team sinking an impressive 23 shots from beyond the arc compared to Boston’s 12. Herro, who knocked down six three-pointers, attributed the team’s performance to their determination to bounce back from their previous 20-point defeat in game one.

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Moreover, Herro revealed that Butler had encouraged him to take on a leadership role in his absence, emphasizing the importance of making the right plays rather than focusing solely on scoring. Miami’s victory underscored their resilience and determination to make an impact in the playoffs, as they aim to replicate their success from the previous season when they reached the NBA Finals.

In contrast, the Western Conference top seeds, the Oklahoma City Thunder, continued their dominant form with a convincing 124-92 victory over the eighth-seeded New Orleans Pelicans. The Thunder, who now lead the series 2-0, asserted their dominance early on and maintained control throughout the game, building a substantial lead that reached 34 points in the fourth quarter. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the scoring for Oklahoma City with 33 points, supported by strong performances from Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams.

The Thunder’s comprehensive victory highlighted their ability to bounce back from a close game one and deliver an improved performance in game two. Gilgeous-Alexander emphasized the team’s focus on continuous improvement as they aim to maintain their momentum heading into the next game in New Orleans.

Overall, the NBA playoffs continue to deliver thrilling matchups and unexpected outcomes, showcasing the resilience and talent of teams vying for postseason success.