Garden Report: Celtics defenseless in critical loss to Heat

The Heat led by 26 points at halftime, shooting over 60% from the field. A “let’s go Celtics” chant dissipated into booing the team into the locker room. A resurgent comeback — as part of the No. 1 NBA offense in second halves since the all-star break — fell short this time. Boston’s loss to the Miami looked like the comeback just over one week ago against the Spurs, only this time the Celtics didn’t win and larger consequences loom. The Garden Report and Celtics reacted to the 130-124 loss, courtesy of CLNS Media.

Celtics Can’t Play Defense vs Heat

Bobby Manning of CLNS Media breaks down the Celtics’ devastating 130-124 loss vs the Miami Heat on May 9. The Heat had 79 points in the first half alone, making it nearly impossible for the C’s to mount a comeback.

Manning breaks down the Celtics’ putrid defense, which looked especially bad in the first half of the game. The Heat shot over 57% from the field and over 45% from deep on the game. Boston was able to outscore them 71-51 in the second half and Evan Fournier poured in 30 points in a comeback effort, but it was not enough to get them the win.

The C’s have been absolutely horrendous on the defensive side of the ball in recent games. They have held their opponent to under 100 points only once in the last nine games. Boston ranks 25th in the NBA in points allowed over that stretch.

Jimmy Butler Wins Matchup vs Marcus Smart

Boston fell to the Miami Heat 130-126 in a game which they desperately needed to win in order to secure higher playoff seeding. Miami scored 79 points in the first half which nullified a massive second half from the C’s where they outscored the Heat 71-51.

The Garden Report talks about Marcus Smart’s game, as well as how he has been looking all season. At times, Smart has been one of the only players who looks as though he is playing with any effort. Despite his six turnovers, the crew breaks down what he brings to the table. He ended the day with 16 points, two rebounds, and four assists on 7-14 shooting from the field and 1-4 shooting from deep.

Smart was brought up on the show in relation to the overall effort of the team. The Celtics as a whole have struggled to play with enough effort all season long. It has been one of their biggest criticism throughout the year.

Should Celtics Invest in Evan Fournier or Marcus Smart?

The Celtics lost a rough game to the Heat, 130-124 after a 79-point first quarter from Miami killed them in the end. The one bright spot to the game was Evan Fournier, who had his best game in a Celtics uniform in this one.

Fournier finished the game with 30 points on 11-16 shooting from the field and 7-11 shooting from deep. He also added three rebounds and eight assists to go along with his scoring total. This game added to his recent hot stretch where his shooting splits have been nothing short of spectacular.

The Garden Report discusses his hot streak and debates how much Danny Ainge should be willing to pay him this offseason. Bobby Manning has nothing but praise for the swingman, while the rest of the crew is hesitant to feel the same way. Fournier has been rather inconsistent during his time in Boston as he has dealt with the after-effects of COVID.

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