4. Celtics Have Major Struggles in 3rd Quarters

The Heat brought out their zone defense in the third quarter and it gave the Celtics offense some issues. Without momentum going their way in the scoring department, it was important for Boston to ramp up its defensive execution and they failed to do so.

Managing to even keep possession of the ball enough to result in shot attempts was problematic enough for the Celtics. They turned the ball over on seven possessions in this period and gave up 16 points off turnovers, a simply inexcusable set of figures.

Heading into this series, it’s simply inexcusable for the Celtics to not have been prepared in the event the Heat brought out their zone defense. Especially to such the extent they failed against it is concerning.

Between the Celtics’ shortcomings on both ends, it was too much to overcome. The Heat ultimately put up 37 points in the period while containing Boston to just 17. This made Boston’s margin for error paper-thin entering the fourth quarter — facing an 84-77 deficit.