The Celtics beat the Heat 102-88 in Game 4 and are now up 3-1 in the series. The Heat will have to win Game 5 in Boston in order to extend the series. However, with multiple injuries and an underperforming offense, the Heat’s chances of doing so don’t seem great. Let’s discuss the Heat’s loss in Game 4 and whether the Heat can force a Game 6 back in Miami.
Heat 2024 Season Part 43: The Heat’s Defense Was Sufficient in Game 4
It might seem unlikely that the Heat did enough defensively in a Game 4, considering that it was a 14-point loss. However, holding the Celtics to 102 points on 41.9% shooting isn’t bad at all. The Celtics average 120.6 points per game, so 102 points is significantly lower than that scoring average.
This has been a theme through this first-round series. The Heat have done enough defensively in almost every game in order to win it. Bam Adebayo has been particularly excellent defensively, which is another example of why he was named a finalist for the Defensive Player of the Year award. That elite defense is one reason why he is such a popular player among Heat fans.
However, the Heat’s offense is another story altogether.
The Heat’s Offense Was Terrible in Game 4
While the Heat’s defense did enough to win Game 4, the Heat’s offense didn’t come close to being good enough to beat the Celtics in Game 4. The Heat scored a measly 88 points on 40.7% shooting from the field and 27.3% from three-point range. Additionally, the Heat turned over the ball 13 times.
The absence of Jimmy Butler and Terry Rozier, along with Duncan Robinson’s limited minutes due to a back issue, have contributed to the Heat’s woeful offense. Jaime Jaquez is now going to miss Game 5, as well. These injuries, combined with the Celtics’ excellent defense, has stifled the Heat’s offense.
It is difficult to see how the Heat will manage to score enough points to win games under these circumstances. Game 5 in Boston could be the end of the Heat’s season.
The Heat Return to Boston for Game 5
The Heat will return to Boston to play Game 5 against the Celtics. Considering the Celtics’ greater talent, homecourt advantage, and the Heat’s many injuries, the outlook for Game 5 appears grim for the Heat. Hopefully, the Heat will win Game 5 to extend the series, but that doesn’t appear too likely.
Check back next week for more Miami Heat content.