Let’s be honest: this series between the Celtics and Miami Heat has become unwatchable.
Oh, the series is competitive, perhaps, now tied at 2-2 with Game 5 scheduled for tomorrow night in Miami. But the games themselves have been nothing short of unsightly, a succession of one-sided beatings that leave a great deal to be desired (and then some) from an aesthetic, entertainment standpoint.
Said Celtics’ coach Ime Udoka following his team’s 102-82 win in Game 4 Monday night at TD Garden: “It’s an inconsistent series from both teams at times – and it’s an odd one, honestly.”
Well, that’s one word for it. Ugly is another. Or dreadful. Or insufferable.
Ever play in a pickup game with a hardo who has no skill whatsoever and just keeps slamming into people like some sort of rabid rhino? That’s what this has been. Except that there are 10 of them out there at any given time.
Nonetheless, the Celtics emerged victorious as the series shifts back to Miami, thanks at least in part to a few developments in Game 4.
Jayson Tatum Reclaimed His Game – And Got All The Calls
May 23, 2022; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) goes to the basket in the first half against the Miami Heat during game four of the 2022 eastern conference finals at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
After an atrocious Game 3, Tatum – like the Celtics – bounced back nicely, finishing with 31 points, eight rebounds, five assists and just three turnovers. He finished a team-best plus-37.
Indisputably the Celtics’ worst culprit when it comes to whining about the officials, Tatum made 14-of-16 free throws and had a whopping 14 attempts in the first half. As a team, the Celtics got 38 free throw attempts to just 14 for the Heat. Is everyone happy now?
Al Horford, The Old Man of the C’s
May 23, 2022; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) moves the ball defended by Miami Heat guard Victor Oladipo (4) in the first half during game four of the 2022 eastern conference finals at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Looking for the exemplary professional? Horford took just two shots in Game 4, but he impacted the play in many other ways. He finished with 13 rebounds, three assists and four blocked shots – and never once really complained about anything.
Horford has averaged nearly 36 minutes in this series and taken just 20 shots, but he is shooting .600 from the field, .750 from 3-point distance and 1.000 from the free-throw line. For the series, Horford is a plus-42, best on the team.
The Return of Robert Williams
May 23, 2022; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Miami Heat forward P.J. Tucker (17) shoots the ball over Boston Celtics center Robert Williams III (44) in the first half during game four of the 2022 eastern conference finals at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports
Williams started the game with a limp that got worse as the night progressed, but let there be no doubt about his impact when he’s on the floor. In 67 minutes this series, Williams has 22 rebounds and seven blocks while converting 12-of-16 field goal attempts and 11-of-12 free throws.
How much more can the Celtics get out of their big man, who underwent knee surgery several weeks ago? Good question. But the Celtics are a plus-33 with him on the floor and Bam Adebayo was a factor in only the one game Williams did not play.
