Heat go cold in Boston, lose to Celtics for 3rd time this season

Just like the last game in Boston, this game started out very slow.  The Celtics scored the games first points but then went about 4 minutes without a field goal.  A late 10-2 run gave the Heat some separation, and they took a slim 5-point lead into the 2^nd quarter.  Miami shot 52.9% in the opening quarter while holding the Celtics to just 30.0%

Turnovers on three consecutive possessions by the Heat let Boston right back into this one, and they had a chance to take the lead when Glen Davis had a breakaway but he couldn't elevate high enough to dunk the ball.   Instead, he clanked off the front iron, giving his teammates on the bench something to laugh about.  That'll be on a not top 10 somewhere later tonight, you can bet on that.

The Celtics took advantage of 8 turnovers by Miami in the 2^nd quarter, putting up 12 more shots then the Heat.  Boston held a slim advantage for most of the quarter, but the Heat kept pace by hitting 54.5% of their shots.  Boston couldn't hang on to the lead though, as Miami closed the half on a 7-2 run and took a 43-39 lead into the break. 

The beginning of the 3^rd quarter was pretty ugly from a Heat fans standpoint.  Miami came out missing their first 3 shots while turning the ball over twice, and Boston capitalized by going on a 12-1 run to take a game-high 7-point lead.  It was about that time when nasty Kevin Garnett reared his ugly face.  He gave Mike Miller a dirty elbow to the back of the head, then when D-Wade came to Miller's defense it was Wade that was hit with the flagrant-1. 

Boston ended up starting the half on a 20-3 run.  I don't know what was said in the locker rooms during halftime but obviously all the right things on the home side and not much that worked on the away side.  Other then the ridiculously cold shooting by Miami, free throws were a big difference in the 3^rd quarter.  The Heat had their work cut out for them, entering the final 12-minutes down by 11. 

That's when Miami they turned up the D, holding the Celtics to just five points on two field goals over the first 7½ minutes of the 4^th. That enabled them to cut the Boston lead down to two points, but every time the Heat got an opportunity to tie the game or take the lead they couldn't capitalize.  From that point through the end of the game the Heat made only one field goal of their own and scored only 4 points. 

It was a 2-point game with 90 seconds left and stayed that way until LeBron James was fouled with 12 seconds left.  He didn't keep us hanging for long though, missing the first free throw before making the 2^nd.  Miami would get the ball back down by three, and Mike Miller got a much better look at a tying shot then I would've guessed, but alas this one was not meant to be. 

GAME NOTES

• Miami was horrid from downtown, hitting just 3-of-16. 
• Mike Miller was only 1-for-5 from the field, all triples, but did pick up 9 rebounds.
• Chris Bosh led the Heat in scoring with 24 points.  He also picked up his 2^nd straight double double, grabbing 10 boards.
• LeBron didn't come as close to a triple double as usual, finishing with 22 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists. 
• Rounding out the Big 3, Dwyane Wade had his usual ‘off' game against Boston.  He hit just 6-of-17 from the field, scoring just 16 points. 
• After shooting 54.5% in the opening half the Heat hit just 15-of-40 in the 2^nd. 
• Paul Pierce finished 0-for-10 from the field.  It was the first time since March 2^nd 1999 that he finished a game without a field goal. 
• Rajon Rondo picked up a triple double. He's an annoying dude to play against but you've gotta appreciate how good of a point guard he has become. 
• Boston is now 8-3 in games they have played on 2 days rest.    

Next up for the Heat are back-to-back games on Tuesday and Wednesday in Indiana and Toronto, then it's the All-Star break.  Until then, keep your heads up Heat fans.  Game like this are only going to make Miami hungrier when the playoffs roll around. 

Also...you guys have got to remember our Community Guidelines when participating in the game threads.  I know this game was frustrating but that is no excuse.  I don't want ANY Heat fans to ever have to leave the blog...so please don't put me in that position.