In an impressive display of sharpshooting, the Miami Heat evened their series against the Boston Celtics at 1-1 with a 111-101 victory, setting a franchise playoff record with 23 three-pointers. After a close first half, the Heat pulled away in the third quarter, outscoring the Celtics 27-18, and maintained their lead through the game.
Miami’s strategic focus was on maximizing their three-point attempts, a plan that proved highly effective against the Celtics, who managed only 12-for-32 from beyond the arc.
Meanwhile, the Oklahoma City Thunder took a commanding 2-0 lead in their series with a 124-92 rout of the New Orleans Pelicans. The Thunder established an early lead that they never relinquished, with all five starters scoring in double figures. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led with 33 points, followed by Chet Holmgren’s standout performance of 26 points.
The third games are scheduled for Saturday, with the Thunder aiming to strengthen their lead in New Orleans and the Celtics looking to reclaim control in Miami.
Tyler Herro was a standout for Miami, scoring 24 points including six three-pointers. Miami’s approach paid off notably, surpassing their previous record of 20 three-pointers made during the 2021 playoffs. Despite missing key players Jimmy Butler and Terry Rozier, Miami’s bench stepped up, outscoring Boston’s reserves 20-12.
The Pelicans appeared fatigued, having engaged in intense games just to reach this stage, and could not match the Thunder’s intensity, highlighting the challenges of their playoff journey.
Out here shattering playoff franchise records tonight pic.twitter.com/l1IFHvlzy9
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) April 25, 2024
Midrange automatic.
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) April 25, 2024
Tyler’s up to 13 assists 👀 pic.twitter.com/FutGXHQVjp
CHET TOUGH MOVE ON BI 😳
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 25, 2024
Ingram ended up staying in the game 🙏 pic.twitter.com/AIywnzOTbG