The back-and-forth game had very much the intensity of a playoff matchup, featuring nine ties and 16 lead changes.
Miami...opened an 11-point cushion at the start of the third quarter.
The Celtics answered, running off 16 straight points to nudge back in front and eventually carried a 83-79 lead into the fourth.
The "Heat" continue to have these spells They gave up 19 unanswered to Golden States that led to the bench meltdown.
It grew to 90-85 with 7:40 remainin...
But,
The Heat stayed composed and responded with 12-3 spurt to take a 98-93 lead on a short jumper by Butler.
Oh, what a pleasure to read that! Oh! An inspiring performance by Miami.
The Composer had a full stat line: 14 points in 32' on 5/10 (4/9) shooting, 7 rebbes, 1 ast, 3 steals, 2 blocks, and 2 t.o.'s. He was team high with a +17. Did a little bit of everything.
The man who he replaced, Donut, was the last man off the bench. He had 5 points on 2/5 (1/4) in 15', 1 block, 1 t.o.
Tyler played starter's minutes, 32', more than starter PJ, and had an excellent, rounded game, 12 pts on 5/14 (2/6), 10 rebbes, second to Bam's 12, 5 asts, 2 t.o.'s. Tyler was involved.
Kyle played 36', scored 23 on 8/16 (6/12)--phenomenal shooting by our PG, and dished 8 asts to only 1 t.o. What a game by Kyle! Whew!
Bam had 17 and 12 in 33' and 8 asts and 2 steals.
Miami shot well, 48.1% (38.2%) and played good D against an explosive "Celtics" team, holding them to 41.2% (29.7%) at home.
As complete a game in as big a game at this stage as could be dreamed of. WHAT a performance by the team and the individual players, all of whom contributed in multiple ways. Man, clap, clap, clap to the "Heat" tonight.
