The Miami Heat led for the entire first half on Tuesday as the Boston Celtics went into halftime down 63-51.
Jayson Tatum, with 10 points, was the only Celtic who scored double-digit points. Tatum also took five of the 10 free throws Boston attempted in the first half.
Jaylen Brown had eight points, but it took him 10 shots to do so and he missed all three 3s he attempted.
That inaccuracy from behind the arc was a big reason the Celtics go into the half behind. They were just 5-for-20 from behind the 3-point line, half as many made 3s as the Heat, who shot above 40% from deep.
Tyler Herro and Duncan Robinson both made three 3s apiece.
Herro and Bam Adebayo led the game with 11 points, and Adebayo’s eight rebounds was by far the most in the half. He dominated in opening two quarters, attempting 10 free throws in just 13 minutes.
Kemba Walker played 14 minutes, right around half the allotted time he is expected to play. Prior to the game, the Celtics said the point guard was cleared for up to 27 minutes.
The Celtics, shooting just 41.9% from the field, will have to ramp it up to beat Miami, who made 48.8% of their baskets.
If Boston can win, they’ll be 3.5 games up over the Heat. A loss would add stress to the rest of the regular season games, as the Celtics would be just 1.5 games up of the fourth seed.
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