Heat Vs. Celtics, Game 3: Boston Gets A Game Back With 97-81 Win

A bizarre sight rang in the fourth quarter as the Boston Celtics tried to steal a game back from the Miami Heat. Rajon Rondo, minutes after dislocating his left elbow, reentered the game, for better or for worse. With a double-digit lead entering the quarter, one has to question the wisdom of the decision, but there Rondo was, using only his right hand throughout the fourth quarter.

That’s not to say Rondo wasn’t effective; He was throughout. But he also wasn’t needed as the Celtics maintained, and widened, their lead as the final 12 minutes wound down. Boston went on to take the easy win, 97-81 , tough the Heat still lead the series, 2-1.

Both teams have passed well, played defense well and rebounded well, and remarkably, both teams have shot exactly 48.6 percent from the field. As a result, the game is predictably close, and it will probably continue to be close.

Shaquille O’Neal has made his return to the floor for Boston and he scored an impressive reverse layup shortly after getting onto the court, but he looks like a guy who hasn’t played in the NBA since February, and he looked like he was limping after putting in that basket.

Are the Heat just better, or will the move to Boston give this series some correction? Tune in to find out.

Be sure to check out our Heat vs. Celtics hub for full series coverage. For more on the Celtics, visit CelticsBlog and SB Nation Boston. For more on the Heat, visit Peninsula Is Mightier.