Heat take 2-1 ECF lead behind big Game 3 from Bam Adebayo
The Miami Heat defeated the Boston Celtics, 109-103, in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Saturday night.
The Heat rebounded from an ugly 127-102 loss to the Celtics in Game 2, taking a 2-1 series lead.
Heat All-Star Jimmy Butler left the game after the first half with knee inflammation and did not return. However, Butler's teammates responded, holding onto a second-half lead without him.
Bam Adebayo averaged just eight points over the first two games of the series but exploded for 31 points, 10 rebounds, six assists and four steals in Miami's Game 3 victory.
P.J. Tucker finished with 17 points, seven rebounds and three steals, while Max Strus had 16 points, four rebounds and two assists to pace the Heat effort.
Jaylen Brown led the way for Boston, finishing with 40 points and nine rebounds.
The Heat exploded for 39 points in the first quarter, leading the Celtics by 21 points, 39-18, heading into the second quarter.
Miami continued to lead in the second quarter, taking a 62-47 advantage into the halftime break.
The Heat weathered the storm early without Butler, leading 87-72 after three quarters.
Boston cut the Miami lead to single digits several times in the fourth, making things interesting in the final minute but couldn't complete the comeback.
The Eastern Conference Finals continue on Monday for Game 4 in Boston at 8:30 p.m. ET.
More must-reads: