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Keys to the Game: Celtics 112, Heat 108

Marc D'Amico
Team Reporter and Analyst

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Key Moment

Brad Stevens yelled to the Celtics early during the second quarter, “You aren’t giving any effort!”

His players heard his claim and responded.

Boston was full of effort the remainder of the night, as it battled back from 15 points down at the 7:10 mark of the second period to tie the game at 58-58 just seconds into the third quarter. Shortly thereafter, Isaiah Thomas canned a 3-pointer to give the C’s a 61-60 lead, their first since being ahead 2-0 at the start of the contest.

The 16-point turnaround in a span of only 10 minutes of playing time was a game-changer for Boston. Did it decide the game? No. But it gave the Celtics a shot, and it gassed them up for the stretch run of the game. They went on to win 110-106.

Many plays were needed down the stretch in order to grab the win, namely Isaiah Thomas’ driving layup over Hassan Whiteside, and then Whiteside’s defensive goaltending on a missed free throw by Marcus Smart. Boston, however, wouldn’t have even been in position for those plays to have mattered if it didn’t turn things around midway through the second period.

Key Player

Amir Johnson isn’t a stat stuffer. As such, he doesn��t get much love in this section throughout the season. Tonight, however, he deserves some.

Johnson was outstanding against the Heat, playing one of the largest roles in Boston upending Miami 110-106. He actually had some media members thinking “triple-double” early on in the second half.

The big man, who’s as reliable as they come, finished the contest with 14 points, six rebounds and five assists. His point total was his highest since scoring 14 back on Feb. 8 in Sacramento. His five assists tied a season high. His seven boards were… well, he just grabbed eight Friday night, so that’s not dropping any jaws.

But when you add it all together, along with his two steals and his plus-19 in the plus/minus category, you'll quickly realize that Johnson was a game-changer for Boston. He just continues to excel in a reliable, under-the-radar role that he relishes night-in and night-out.

Box Score Nuggets

  • Both teams led by at least 10 points during the game.
  • Both teams scored at least 52 points in the paint, with Miami scoring 58.
  • Isaiah Thomas led the game in scoring with 30 points.
  • Marcus Smart led the game in assists with nine helpers.
  • Jae Crowder scored a season-high 25 points to go along with six rebounds, two steals and two blocked shots.
  • Boston scored at least 27 points during each of the final three quarters.
  • Miami was limited to just 7-for-29 shooting from long distance, good for 24.1 percent.
  • The Celtics committed 19 turnovers, leading to 30 points for the Heat.
  • Hassan Whiteside grabbed a game-high 15 rebounds to go along with 19 points.
  • Whiteside accounted for the game's only double-double.
  • Al Horford totaled a team-high 10 rebounds to go along with eight assists and seven points.
  • Tyler Johnson (24 points) and James Johnson (20 points), two reserves, led Miami in scoring.
  • Amir Johnson tallied 14 points to go along with seven rebounds and five assists.
  • The C's tallied 32 assists on their 41 made baskets.

Quote of the Night

Brad Stevens on Jae Crowder's 25-point night.