Celtics' energy sneaks them past the hungry Heat, 105-95

The energy that was missing from last night's loss to Orlando was carried over to Miami, where the Celtics took down the Heat, 105-95.

It didn't take long for the Celtics starters to get into their groove.  Behind Jae Crowder's hustle and scoring, the Celtics went on an early 19-4 run.  Throughout the first, Boston did a nice job containing Miami with the exception of Dwyane Wade, who finished the night with 30 points, a season high.  But those 30 points came with a price.  Wade committed 6 turnovers, one of which was a costly turnover late in the fourth quarter.

This entire game was a classic "anything you can do, I can do better" matchup.  When the Celtics hit a three, the Heat would on the next play.  If Miami closed the scoring gap, Boston opened it back up.  So it only seemed right that the Heat would go on a 12-2 lead in the second quarter.  Who was the one making all the shots in the second?  Not Dwyane Wade, not Chris Bosh, not five first round draft picks---ummm, I mean Justise Winslow.  It was Tyler Johnson.  Johnson carried Miami through a strong second quarter.

The second half was even more exhilarating than the first.  Avery Bradley was the hero.  He had 12 points in the third quarter and finished with a solid 25 points on 9-15 shooting.

Wade nearly closed the gap late in the fourth quarter, scoring 6 points in about one minute of playing time.  His late game heroics weren't enough for Miami to take it from the energized Celtics.

Notes

For the most part, the Celtics front court did a nice job controlling Miami's big men on offense.  Hassan Whiteside finished with 6 points, and Bosh didn't get his buckets until later in the game.  While Whiteside wasn't very active in the scoring column, he seemed to be everywhere, blocking shots, doing Hassan Whiteside things.

Sullinger had another solid night.  He scored 17 points on 70% shooting.  He also continued his improved defense.Jae Crowder was key to Boston's win tonight.  He got into early foul trouble, committing 3 before the half, but he was all over the ball and when you are that physical of a player, fouls will happen.

Evan Turner was electric off the bench in the first quarter.  He helped lead the Celtics mid-first quarter run.  Turner had a beautiful spin move resulting in a finger roll.

Wade and Whiteside almost put together the most incredible play of the season.  After a foul call at half court, Wade tossed the ball backwards from the sidelines.  Whiteside slammed it one handed.

This was a nice win in Miami.  Hopefully the team forgot about their problems in Orlando.  Off to Mexico to face the Kings!!!