Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Heat make just three shots in historically rough first quarter against Celtics

By Adam Stites | Last updated 5/23/22

The Miami Heat dug themselves an early hole in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals after a historically poor offensive showing in a 29-11 first quarter.

The Heat finished the first 12 minutes against the Boston Celtics with only three made field goals in 20 attempts. Victor Oladipo made one three-pointer and three of his four free throw attempts, while Jimmy Butler made two of his seven shots. Bam Adebayo made one of two free throw tries.

Miami's 11 points were the fewest the team has ever scored in the first quarter of a playoff game. The Heat also became the first team in more than 25 years to need eight minutes and 38 seconds to make a basket.

The Heat did not make a shot until 3:22 left in the 1st quarter, the longest drought without a field goal to start any playoff game over the last 25 years. pic.twitter.com/pKIBjxodDU
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) May 24, 2022

Boston's 18-point lead was its second largest ever after the first quarter of a playoff game.

The shockingly rough offensive showing to start Game 4 comes after the Heat dropped 39 points in the first quarter of Game 3. Miami went on to win that game, 109-103, and lead the series, 2-1.

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