The Boston Celtics’ first-round opponent in the NBA playoffs seemed to pose a bit of a threat, considering they have to get through the Miami Heat, who beat them in the Eastern Conference Finals in seven games last year.
However, this time around, the Heat don’t have their undisputed leader on the basketball floor, with superstar Jimmy Butler dealing with a knee injury, which could keep him out of the entire series.
That said, the Celtics have an opportunity to make easy work of the Heat, which they are already taking full advantage of as they were able to take Game 1 with ease on Sunday, beating Miami by 20 in Boston.
Along with a dominant all-around performance for the Celtics, superstar forward Jayson Tatum had a triple-double with 23 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists, helping Boston come out on top, 114-94.
Tatum triple-double.
Celtics take Game 1.
Game 2: Wednesday, 7pm/et, TNT pic.twitter.com/7eU9deLoEZ
— NBA (@NBA) April 21, 2024
Here are some fan reactions to Tatum having a triple-double in Game 1 against the Heat:
Celtics assembled a super team to beat the Miami Heat
Remember that
— Legal Sports Betting (@legalsportsbet) April 21, 2024
🔥🔥🔥🔥 tatum destined for greatness
— LOSSO (@Gazalila_) April 21, 2024
tatum is on fire 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
— bhovu (@savenoho) April 21, 2024
Just go ahead and put this series on ESPN 3
— BarryB (@LuckyBarryB) April 21, 2024
If Tatum can continue playing at a high level like this while also getting solid performances from Kristaps Porzingis and Jaylen Brown, the Celtics could very well pull off the sweep against the Heat in the first round.
After Game 1, the only chance of the Heat making this a series is if Butler can get back on the court and resemble the dominant player that he is in the playoffs.
Otherwise, the Celtics may start looking to the second round, where they’ll face the winner of the first-round series between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Orlando Magic.
NEXT:
Kevin Garnett Reacts To Celtics’ Playoff Win Over Heat
