Celtics Discuss Heat Outscoring Them 46-25 in Third Quarter of Game 1: 'We Allowed Them to Do What They Wanted'

The Heat's third-quarter haymaker proved the difference in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

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The Celtics had it rolling in the first half of Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals. They relentlessly attacked downhill, putting pressure on the rim that translated to a 40-16 advantage in points in the paint, helping them take a 66-57 lead into halftime.

But perhaps the Heat playing at a pace so slow offensively it was counterproductive, should've been a sign they were playing possum. If not that, then certainly their lack of resistance defensively was a tell, as on-ball defenders looked more like matadors.

Sure enough, Miami flipped the switch in the second half, playing with more focus and physicality, and picking up the pace offensively.

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As Boston let go of the rope, the visitors landed a haymaker, outscoring the hosts 46-25 in the third frame. Jimmy Butler scored 12 of his game-high 35 points. Max Strus registered 13. And the Heat drilled 6/9 threes.

That and the Celtics' lack of execution in crunch time, including four turnovers in the final five minutes of a fourth quarter it had six giveaways in, were at the forefront of a stinging series-opening loss at TD Garden.

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After the 123-116 defeat, Jaylen Brown, who finished with 22 points, nine rebounds, and five assists, but also had six turnovers, expressed the following about what went wrong in the third frame.

"I feel like they got going. We gave them some easy looks in transition, and defensively, our intensity wasn't where it needed to be."

Marcus Smart, who registered 13 points, a game-high 11 assists, two steals, and only two giveaways, stated, "They scored 46 points in the third quarter. We didn’t play the best that we could play. They hit shots. It happened. Obviously, if we knew the reason, we wouldn’t have let it happen. But we’re going to go back and watch the film."

Regarding what Boston needs to do better in Game 2, the former Defensive Player of the Year conveyed, "(The) only thing we need to adjust to is picking up our physicality and playing some damn defense... Have to guard your yard."

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Coming off a historic 51-point performance in the Celtics' Game 7 win against the Sixers, Jayson Tatum scored 30 points and grabbed seven rebounds, both team-highs. After the loss, he also shared his perspective on what went wrong in the third quarter.

"We gave up some transition baskets. They got in a rhythm. They were comfortable. We didn't close out to shooters, (and) we gave up some offensive rebounds."

Head coach Joe Mazzulla voiced: "(We) lost our offensive purpose. (We) lost our game-plan discipline. Allowed them to get second shots. (And we) didn't guard the three-point line."

Save for last Sunday against Philadelphia, third quarters have consistently been a bugaboo for Boston. It already cost the Celtics Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals. And if it remains an issue, it might contribute to why they don't get back to the NBA Finals.

Further Reading

Celtics Address 'Letting Go of the Rope' After Game 1 Loss to Heat

Here's What Stood Out in Celtics' Game 1 Loss: Heat's Third-Quarter Haymaker Propels Them to 1-0 Lead

Malcolm Brogdon Opens Up About Sacrificing as Celtics' Sixth Man: 'It’s Not Easy; It Really Isn’t'

NBA Draft Lottery Yields Unfavorable Result for Celtics

With Defense Key to Celtics Staying a Step Ahead of Heat, Joe Mazzulla Confirms Robert Williams Sticking in Starting Lineup

The Celtics are Motivated to Win a Championship for Al Horford, 'The Guy We've Followed All Season'

Jayson Tatum Discusses His Relationship with Celtics Fans: 'I Love Being Here'

Jaylen Brown Discusses Whether Making an All-NBA Team Provides Clarity About His Future