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Heat 109, Celtics 103
‘We’ve just got to man up.’ The Celtics knew what was coming in Game 3. It didn’t matter.
The Celtics have stressed how much they relish playoff games at TD Garden, how there is nothing quite like the atmosphere, and how opponents should take cover.
GARY WASHBURN | ON BASKETBALL
With a chance to take control of series, there was no excuse for this Celtics performance
They were coming off a big Game 2 win, but aren't good enough to rely on past accomplishments, especially when they haven’t won anything yet.
HEAT 109, CELTICS 103 | INSTANT ANALYSIS
Observations as 24 turnovers prove too much for Celtics in frustrating Game 3 loss to Heat
Miami came out hot following their thrashing in Game 2, and despite allowing the Celtics to close a 26-point gap to a single point, 19 steals from a sloppy Boston starting five cost a potential massive comeback.
Dan Shaughnessy
After Celtics took a stunning loss in Game 3, there’s no telling what to expect in Game 4
One thing is clear: This best-of-seven Eastern Conference finals against the top-seeded Heat is shaping up to be just as grueling a grind as the semifinal series vs. the defending champion Bucks.
Live updates
How it happened: Heat start fast and hold off every Celtics rally to take 2-1 series lead
The Heat raced to a 39-18 lead, but the Celtics pulled within one late in the fourth quarter before a final surge carried Miami to victory.
CELTICS
Heat rule out Jimmy Butler for second half with knee inflammation
Butler was a plus-13 as Miami built a lead that reached 26 points in the first half, but did not return after the break thanks to an issue that also kept him out of a game of Miami’s first-round playoff series.
CELTICS
Quite the experience: Derrick White recounts birth of his son, the Celtics’ newest Hendrix
On Thursday morning, prior to Game 2 in Miami, White received word that his wife was probably going into labor. He missed the birth, but watched the victory with young Hendrix James White.
CELTICS NOTEBOOK
Left knee soreness rules Robert Williams out for Celtics in Game 3 vs. Heat
Williams, named to the NBA All-Defensive second team on Friday, has played in seven of Boston’s 11 playoff games since his return on April 23 — roughly three and a half weeks following left knee surgery.