NOTES & QUOTES
Heat Starting Five: Antonio Snow, Terrence Ross, Josh Richardson, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Hassan Whiteside
Summary: Boston looked to redeem themselves after last week’s loss to the Heat, especially with the return of Jayson Tatum to the lineup. Tatum’s presence made the game much more intense. With the midrange game playing into their favor, Boston was only down by two points at halftime.
Antonio Snow and Ja Morant were locked in another heated battle as Snow pulled some impossible shots out of his bag as he managed to keep the Heat just ahead of the Celtics. Morant tried to breathe life into his team by finishing with a huge dunk over Bam Adebayo that sent the Heat’s big man crashing to the court, complete with stare down.
A few possessions later, Snow returned the favor bringing the hammer down on Robert Williams and issuing a stare down of his own. He then sent the glare to Morant almost as if it was a warning that the challenge had been accepted. In the second half, Snow then drained three consecutive shots from beyond the arc to give Miami some much needed breathing room as they went up 63-50 with just under five minutes left in the third quarter.
Boston refused to be denied as they cut Miami’s lead to single digits behind Morant’s 19 fourth quarter points. It looked as if Boston was on the verge of taking the lead until Morant picked up his final foul with one minute left in regulation, sending Antonio Snow to the free throw line to convert an and-one play to increase Miami’s lead.
Jayson Tatum on Morant’s performance: He’s really stepping up. I’m liking what I’m seeing. Especially when I was only able to watch from the sidelines. He didn’t shy away from that pressure. So being back and being able to play with him again and just seeing the energy and fire that he brings. I’m optimistic about the season.
Antonio Snow on the stare down: Turnabout is fair game, right? My pops would always say that. Ja felt like he could mistreat my guy. I had to let him know that he’s not the only one that can get up there. But it’s all in fun. It makes the game exciting. I’m sure the fans enjoyed it.
Ja Morant on fouling out: I hate it. You want to be there for your team and I feel like I just let them all down. You wonder what would have happened had I still be in the game. Feels like I didn’t give us a fair chance.
Top Performers
Boston Celtics
Ja Morant – 36 PTS, 10 AST
Jaylen Brown – 20 PTS, 6 REB, 2 AST
Jayson Tatum – 15 PTS, 3 REB, 6 AST, 2 STL
Miami Heat
Antonio Snow – 33 PTS, 4 REB, 12 AST
Bam Adebayo – 23 PTS, 7 REB, 6 AST
Hassan Whiteside – 14 PTS, 14 REB
My guy had motives to show out against Toronto & Sacramento, good shit!
