After a first qurater that saw the Boston Celtics shoot 60 percent from the floor, the Green continued their hot shooting and lead the Miami Heat 55-42 at halftime.
Heat Vs. Celtics Score Update: Boston Is Outshooting Miami, Leads By 13 At Half
The Celtics built off a strong finish to the first quarter to post a 24-6 run midway through the second quarter. They are led by Paul Pierce's 15 points on 5-13 shooting.
Coming off a 44-point performance in game two, Rajon Rondo has tempered himself with just six first-half points and seven assists, playing the more customary role of distributor.
After a hot start (16 points in the first quarter), LeBron James has cooled off with just four second-quarter points. He'll also need to watch himself coming out of the locker room as he's playing with three personal fouls.
Aside from the early transition baskets Miami got early in this game, the Celtics defense has been exceptional.
As our own Mike Prada pointed out, the Cetlics are being successful with a strongside zone defense that is designed to take away isolation sets -- something the Heat are conditioned to with with James and Dwyane Wade. Because the Celtics are scoring with alacrity, the Heat are being forced into half court sets, and aside from James, they have struggled to get good looks at the hoop.
For more on these teams, visit Heat blog Peninsula is Mightier and CelticsBlog. To stay up to date on all of the happenings in the 2012 NBA playoffs, head over to SB Nation's dedicated NBA hub.
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