Derrick White, Celtics beat Heat for second straight win: 9 takeaways
The Boston Celtics made it two wins in a row on Thursday night, defeating the Miami Heat 111-104 at FTX Arena. Derrick White led the way for the Celtics with 27 points, while Jayson Tatum added 26 points and 10 rebounds.
Here are nine takeaways from the game:
1. Derrick White is a difference-maker for the Celtics
White has been one of the Celtics' best players since joining the team at the trade deadline. He is a versatile defender who can also score at all three levels. On Thursday night, White had one of his best games of the season, scoring 27 points on 11-of-18 shooting. He also had six rebounds and four assists.
White's ability to score from anywhere on the court is a huge asset for the Celtics. He can take the pressure off of Tatum and Jaylen Brown, and he can also create his own shot. White is also a very good defender, and he can switch onto multiple positions.
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2. The Celtics' defense is back
The Celtics' defense had been struggling in recent weeks, but it looked much better on Thursday night. The Celtics held the Heat to 40% shooting from the field and 30% shooting from three-point range.
The Celtics' defense was led by White, who had four steals. Robert Williams III also had a big game defensively, with five blocks.
3. The Celtics are playing with better energy
The Celtics have been playing with better energy in recent games. They are running more, and they are playing more aggressive defense.
On Thursday night, the Celtics forced 17 Heat turnovers. They also had 11 steals and six blocks.
4. The Celtics are getting healthy
The Celtics are finally starting to get healthy. Marcus Smart returned from a sprained ankle on Thursday night, and he played well, scoring 12 points and dishing out six assists.
Robert Williams III is also getting back to his old self. He had 10 points and five blocks on Thursday night.
5. The Heat are struggling
The Heat have been struggling in recent weeks. They have lost six of their last 10 games.
The Heat's offense has been particularly bad. They are shooting just 42% from the field and 33% from three-point range over their last 10 games.
6. Jimmy Butler is not playing like himself
Jimmy Butler has not been playing like himself in recent weeks. He is averaging just 17.8 points per game over his last 10 games, and he is shooting just 40% from the field.
Butler is the Heat's best player, and they need him to get back to playing at a high level if they want to turn things around.
7. The Celtics have the Heat's number
The Celtics have had the Heat's number in recent years. They have won 13 of their last 15 meetings against the Heat.
The Celtics' defense is a big reason for their success against the Heat. The Celtics are able to make it difficult for the Heat to get good looks at the basket.
8. The Celtics are the better team
The Celtics are the better team than the Heat. They have more talent on their roster, and they are playing better basketball right now.
The Celtics are the favorites to win the Eastern Conference, and the Heat are a long shot.
9. The Celtics are ready for the playoffs
The Celtics are ready for the playoffs. They have a deep roster, and they are playing with a lot of confidence.
The Celtics are one of the favorites to win the NBA championship this year.
Analysis:
The Celtics' win over the Heat was a big one. It showed that they are back to being the team that everyone expected them to be at the beginning of the season.
The Celtics are playing with a lot of confidence right now, and they are getting healthy. They are the favorites to win the Eastern Conference, and they are one of the favorites to win the NBA championship.
The Heat are struggling, and they need to figure things out quickly. Jimmy Butler needs to get back to playing at a high level, and the Heat's offense needs to improve.
The Celtics and the Heat are two of the best teams in the Eastern Conference. It should be an interesting series when they meet in the playoffs.