Celtics Blitz Heat In Game 1

     The Boston Celtics slaughtered the Miami Heat 114-94 in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals at TD Garden on Sunday. It was a battle between the last two teams to capture the Eastern Conference title. The Heat never led once in the entire contest. 

     The Celtics are the top-seeded in the Eastern Conference and the National Basketball Association this season. They will hold the home-court advantage for the entire 2024 NBA Playoffs. The Heat survived the NBA Play-In Tournament last week and advanced as the eighth seed. 

     Boston shocked everyone as they scored the first 14 points of the contest on their way to a 17-2 opening spurt. Miami answered back with a 21-9 run and were down 26-21 after one quarter. The Celtics had a 22-7 spurt to begin the second quarter and led 60-45 at halftime. 

     The C's continued their double-digit lead throughout the third quarter and had a 91-59 at the end of the frame. The Heat outscored their opponent 35-23 during the final quarter. 

     Bam Adebayo had a game-high 24 points and six rebounds for Miami. Jaime Jacquez Jr. added 16 points while Delon Wright drained in 17 points. Tyler Herro was held to 11 points and Nikola Jovic placed in 10 points. 

     Jayson Tatum compiled a triple-double with 23 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists for Boston. Jaylen Brown chalked up in 17 points and eight rebounds. Kristaps Porzingis scored 18 points and Derrick White had 20 points.