The Boston Celtics took their largest lead of the first half as the first 24 minutes came to close on Friday night, taking a 55-42 lead into the locker room. The Celtics were excellent on offense, as both Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce took control. Garnett lead the charge on the offensive end for much of the first half, combining with Rajon Rondo to push the lead out to double digits during a 13-0 run. It was Pierce who led the the attack at the end of the half as the C's pushed their lead to 13. Pierce scored 15 points while Garnett added 12.
For Miami, LeBron James had another spectacular half but was whistled for his third foul late in the half, biting on a Pierce pump fake. James was on another level to start the game, however, finishing the half with 20 points in an an arena where he's put up some huge numbers. Dwyane Wade was just three of nine from the floor and added six points, so he will need to get into rhythm on the offensive end if the Heat want to take a commanding 3-0 lead.
Boston is also shooting better than 50 percent from the floor and out-rebounding the Heat on the glass, a role reversal from Game 2. As we've seen before, however, Miami can cut into a double-digit deficit quickly.
Stick with this StoryStream here at SB Nation Tampa Bay 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.