The Miami Heat controlled the paint in Monday's 93-79 win over the Boston Celtics. Miami blocked 11 shots, one shy of a franchise playoff record, and out-rebounded Boston by a 48-33 margin. Without Chris Bosh, though, there were concerns that Miami's frontline would get bossed around by the Celtics.
According to Andre C. Fernandez of the Miam Herald:
The frontcourt of 6-11 Kevin Garnett, 6-11 Greg Stiemsma, 6-8 Brandon Bass and 6-7 Paul Pierce played a big role in the Celtics winning three of four games against the Heat during the regular season.
In two of those late-season victories against the Heat - not counting the final meeting where both teams rested key starters - the Celtics finished with a rebounding edge.
Monday was much different.
Boston only recorded one block, and they were outscored in the paint, 42-34. Shane Battier chipped in with 10 rebounds and two blocks, while LeBron James led the way with 13 rebounds and three blocks. Dwyane Wade and Joel Anthony had two blocks, and Mario Chalmers and Ronny Turiaf each had one
Stick with this StoryStream for news and updates throughout the Eastern Conference Finals. For more analysis and discussion on the Heat, visit Peninsula Is Mightier. Visit CelticsBlog and SB Nation Boston for the opponent's perspective during the series. For all your Conference Finals analysis, visit SB Nation's NBA hub.