Celtics torch Heat, Boston grabs 104-84 Game 3 victory over Heat

 

Apr 27, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis (8) grabs a rebound over Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) in the first half during game three of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports

The third quarter saw much of the same, with Boston maintaining a healthy advantage on both ends. Credit Jaylen Brown, who did a bulk of the scoring in the period. He ended the game with 22 points and 3 assists.

The third also highlighted the importance of Adebayo and Porzingis for their respective ball clubs, a theme throughout this series. Porzingis provided Boston with a bit of finesse and shooting that stretches Miami’s defense, and finished with 3-for-5 from 3 with 18 points. Adebayo, meanwhile, once again contracted Boston’s defense with his physicality, and ended the game with 20 points and 9 rebounds.

The entire game saw a bit of chippiness between Porzingis and Adebayo, especially in the third period. Beyond that, though, there was little drama in the quarter, as Boston held a sound 87-61 lead heading into the fourth.