Celtics Win Pivotal Game 3: 97-81
The Celtics won a pivotal game 3 against Miami on Saturday night 97-81. The biggest performance came from Boston's Kevin Garnett as he answered the critics with 28 pts/18 rebs/1 ast/2 stl and some great defense. Rondo was injured in the third period after a questionable play from Dwayne Wade. Wade pulled Rondo to the ground and Rondo landed awkwardly on his hand, resulting in a dislocated elbow. The 25 year old Rajon Rondo returned later in the third period, inspiring his team and the crowd to dominate the second half of game 3.The game was intense from start to finish with the Celtics’ collective will being their biggest strength in this game. Shaq returned with a limp, but clearly still wanted to contribute to the team. Paul Pierce was shown having trainers work on his leg during a timeout, and Rajon Rondo was playing with one good arm. Tonight in a pivotal game 3, it was the Celtics’ heart and ability that was being questioned by analysts and media members alike. Whether you like or hate the Celtics, you cannot question this team’s determination.
The first half of the game was extremely competitive, with both teams holding the lead at different points in both the first and second quarters. The fans were boisterous and aggressive all night long, and it was clear that everyone in that building believed that the Celtics weren’t ready to be written off yet. Miami started off the game a little rough, with the Celtics leading 16-7 to start off the game. However, Miami went into the half with a 46-44 lead and appeared to have the momentum.
However, Boston would take over the third quarter of game 3. The Celtics outscored the Heat 28-15 behind some incredible effort from the Big Ticket, Kevin Garnett. He supplied key rebounds at very important times during the game and helped to get the Celtics out on the break. KG's 28 points were an answer to a week of criticism from sports media who wondered openly whether the Big 3 were too old and worn down to compete. Pierce had 27 points on 9-20 shooting and Ray Allen also added 15 points.
Shaq's return was limited, ending up with only 8 minutes played, 2 points, and 0 rebounds. However, when Shaq showed up at the scorer's table, it was as if the President had walked into the building and everyone stood on their feet. With Shaq, Rondo, and Pierce all playing with some level of discomfort or injury, they should not be hearing much from the critics who question whether they have the championship heart that was their staple for the past 4 years.
Miami's three were less than impressive. Chris Bosh only had 6 points and 5 rebounds, Wade had only 23 points on 8-19 shooting, and Lebron James ended with 15 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 5 blocks. However, possibly the most surprising stat of tonight's game was the fact that James' finished with -21, which was the worst of all the Heat players in the +/- column.
Game 4 between Miami and Boston will be at the TD Garden on Monday, May 9th at 7pm. The Celtics will look to tie the series at 2-2 before heading back to Miami for game 5 on Wednesday May 11th.
Shaq's return was limited, ending up with only 8 minutes played, 2 points, and 0 rebounds. However, when Shaq showed up at the scorer's table, it was as if the President had walked into the building and everyone stood on their feet. With Shaq, Rondo, and Pierce all playing with some level of discomfort or injury, they should not be hearing much from the critics who question whether they have the championship heart that was their staple for the past 4 years.
Miami's three were less than impressive. Chris Bosh only had 6 points and 5 rebounds, Wade had only 23 points on 8-19 shooting, and Lebron James ended with 15 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 5 blocks. However, possibly the most surprising stat of tonight's game was the fact that James' finished with -21, which was the worst of all the Heat players in the +/- column.
Game 4 between Miami and Boston will be at the TD Garden on Monday, May 9th at 7pm. The Celtics will look to tie the series at 2-2 before heading back to Miami for game 5 on Wednesday May 11th.
