The Boston Celtics have been on a tear since Game 2, showcasing dominance in their playoff series against the Miami Heat. In Game 5 at TD Garden, they secured a resounding 118-84 victory, clinching their spot in the Eastern Conference semifinals for the seventh time in eight seasons.
The Celtics set the tone early in the game, nearly establishing a 20-point lead in the first quarter alone. They capitalized on their momentum, sinking 8 three-pointers and shooting an impressive 14-of-21 from the field as a team in the opening period. Derrick White's 15 points in the first quarter contributed significantly to their commanding lead.
Building on their strong start, the Celtics extended their dominance in the second quarter with a 14-2 run, bolstered by key plays like Jaylen Brown's crucial 3-pointer. Although the Heat attempted to rally before halftime, they still found themselves trailing by 22 points.
The Celtics maintained their momentum throughout the game, stretching their lead to 30 points in the third quarter and ultimately securing a convincing 34-point victory. Notably, they won all four games in the series by double digits, boasting an impressive average winning margin of 22 points per game.
Bam Adebayo led the Heat with 23 points, while Tyler Herro and Caleb Martin contributed 15 and 10 points, respectively. However, their efforts were overshadowed by the Celtics' well-rounded performance, with Jaylen Brown and Derrick White leading the charge with 25 points each, supported by Jayson Tatum's 16 points and 12 rebounds.
With their advancement to the next round secured, the Celtics will eagerly await the outcome of the Cleveland Cavaliers-Orlando Magic series. Meanwhile, their center, Kristaps Porzingis, who sustained a calf strain in Game 4, is not expected to return until at least the Eastern Conference finals.
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