Heat-Celtics Rivalry Lives Continues in Eastern Conference Finals
One of the NBA's best rivals is thriving under the direction of top point guards Ja Morant and Antonio Snow.
The Miami Heat and the Boston Celtics will continue tonight as the Eastern Conference Finals kicks off. These teams engaged in some heated battles this season as rookie Ja Morant stepped in to fill the gap left by Kyrie Irving. Morant has done everything that team has asked for and more, especially after losing Jayson Tatum at various spurts throughout the season with injury. The Celtics still managed to win 53 games and finish with the second best record in the Eastern Conference. While Morant impressed in the regular season, he was just a few votes shy of being named Rookie of the Year.
“That’s okay. This is what we’re playing for. This is team goals. We know the road is through Miami and we’re ready.”
Facing Morant is last year’s Rookie of the Year, Antonio Snow. Just like his battles Kyrie Irving last season, his battles with Ja Morant were just as epic this season. Miami took the regular season series 2-1, but Boston did not make it easy.
“He is a competitor. Probably one of my favorite players to match up with. We have prepared for this matchup. We knew if we got this far, Boston would be on the other side.”
The playoffs have been exciting to watch and has each team has battled its way to get here. From Antonio Snow’s 50 point performance in Game 1 against the Orlando Magic to leading the Miami Heat back from a 20 point deficit in Game 4 against the Milwaukee Bucks, Miami has announced it’s arrival and Antonio Snow has proven himself to be the real deal.
Snow has led the way in these playoffs, averaging 37 points and 8 assists per game. Hassan Whiteside is averaging a double-double of 15 points and 16 rebounds over the past 8 games. Miami’s veterans Carmelo Anthony has also been leading. Anthony has been playing some of his best defense, holding opponents to under 40% from the field. On the offensive side of the ball, he has the second best three-point shooting average. Knocking down 37% of his shots from beyond the arc.
Boston’s road was marred with losses, but they are hoping to be forged for this moment. Morant scored 33 points to lead the Celtics to an overtime win over the Brooklyn Nets in Game 7. Morant has averaged 19.4 points and 5 assists per game over these playoffs. Jaylen Brown has been Boston’s second leading scorer averaging 16 points per game.
Surprisingly, Jayson Tatum has struggled performing in these playoffs. He shot 1 of 8 from the field in Boston’s Game 1 loss in Cleveland. He shot 2 of 9 in Game 1 against Brooklyn and 3-17 in Game 2, all games ending in losses. The Celtics will need him to step up in this series if Boston wants a shot at winning.
