Dwayne Wade missed an wide open 3-pointer as time expired, giving the Boston Celtics the win with a 95-93 overtime win over the Miami Heat in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals. This was the first playoff overtime loss in Miami Heat history. The Heat were 6-0 all-time in playoff overtime games before the loss in Game 4. With the victory, Boston has tied up the series at 2-2, rallying from a 2-0 deficit. Boston has now won 20 of their last 22 games at home. Paul Pierce had a team-high 23 points for the hosts, who led by as many as 18 points in the first half and had put up 61 points by halftime. The Celtics cooled off in the second half though, as the Heat fought back to tie the game behind the outstanding play of LeBron James (29 points) early in the fourth quarter, before sending the game into overtime. Both James and Pierce fouled out in overtime, as Boston’s defense tightened up late limiting Miami to just two points over the five minute extra session to hold on for the victory. James was whistled for his sixth personal foul with 1:51 remaining in overtime. It was the first time James had fouled out as a member of the Miami Heat and his absence left the visitors with a huge hole in their offense, as they were unable to score for the remainder of the contest without the reigning league MVP.
One reason the Celtics were able to score so often Sunday night: Boston had 17 second-chance points against Miami’s undersized lineup. That’s their highest total in a game this postseason. Also, Pierce— The Celtics’ captain— came out firing on all cylinders in the first half, where he scored 18 of his 23 points on the night, leading the way as Boston built up a 14-point lead at intermission. Garnett had another double-double for the Celts’ with 17 points and 14 , along with five blocks. On the other side, Miami shooting guard Dyane Wade struggled with his offense for the majority of Game 4. The veteran missed 15 of his 22 shot attempts, and turned the ball over four times. Wade finished with 20 points. Miami Heat center/power-forward Chris Bosh missed his ninth straight game with a strained abdominal. He remains day-to-day, according to head coach Erik Spoelstra.
Up next, Game 5 is Tuesday June 6th at Miami 8:30 p.m. With the series tied up, the so called “old guard” of the Boston Celtics has highlighted some flaws in the once-thought invincible Miami Heat, and with three games left, this is now anyone’s series.
