The Boston Celtics avoided the brink of elimination on Friday night, battling the Heat to a 101-91 Game 3 win at TD Garden. After the Heat pulled out an incredible overtime victory on Wednesday night in Miami, Boston was out for blood and fighting for their playoff lives. The stars for Boston came ready to play, and Rajon Rondo, Kevin Garnett, and Paul Pierce ensured the series would move to 2-1. The Celtics led by as many as 24 points and enjoyed a double digit lead for most of the second half until a furious rally by LeBron James, and some key buckets from Mike Miller, got the lead into single digits with about five minutes to play.
James led Miami with 34 points, and singlehandedly kept the Heat in it during the first 20 minutes of the game. LeBron scored 20 points in the first half. He got into some foul trouble late in the half but it was still another impressive showing for the MVP. Dwyane Wade had a relatively quiet game, adding just 18 points in support of LeBron.
But the trio of Pierce, Garnett, and Rondo all scored 20-plus points as the Celtics shot the lights out. Boston also enjoyed a 12-rebound advantage on the glass, turning the tables from Game 2 when Miami controlled the boards.
Miami did not seem fazed by the loss as they exited the court, and the fourth-quarter comeback to make things interesting could give them a little momentum heading into Game 4, scheduled for Sunday night in Boston.
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, visitPeninsula 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.