The Miami Heat defeated the Boston Celtics 115-111 in overtime in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals Wednesday at AmericanAirlines Arena in Miami, FL. The Heat hold a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.
Miami was able to withstand a performance for the ages from Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo, who finished with a career-high 44 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds. Heat forward LeBron James led the Heat with 34 points and 10 rebounds.
The Heat rallied from a 15-point, first-half deficit behind a strong third quarter. The Heat usually wait until the fourth quarter before putting James on Rondo, but Spoelstra made the move early in the third. It slowed Rondo just enough to start the second half to allow the Heat to creep back into the game. The Celtics then sent the game into overtime with a 3-pointer from guard Ray Allen with 34.3 seconds that tied it at 99. Miami had two chances to win in regulation, but James missed a layup and fadeaway jumper as time expired. With 1:35 left in overtime and the score tied at 105, Rondo felt he was hit in the face by Wade on a driving layup, but no foul was called. The Heat then scored the next seven points to take control behind Wade and James. James had a put-back basket and then found Udonis Haslem underneath the rim for a layup. Wade iced it with a three-point play that made it 110-105 with 59 seconds left.
On the Celtic side, Rondo played all 53 minutes (first time he’s played every minute in a game), putting together one of the greatest playoff performances in NBA history. He shot 16-for-24 from the field and made 10 of 12 free throws. Rondo put together one of the best first halves of the postseason, totaling 22 points and seven assists. He was responsible for 36 of Boston’s 53 points. His 12 free throw attempts also proved he was much more aggressive than in Game 1.
Game 3 is Friday in Boston. The Celtics will look to hold serve on home court while the Heat look to put Boston’s back against the wall. Only time will tell which team’s goal will become a reality.
