Defense helped Boston Celtics take control of Eastern Conference Finals

The outcome of Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals left the basketball world in shock. Should we chalk up the Boston Celtics’ win to good defense or lack of Miami Heat star power?

Coach Ime Udoka and his team enjoyed well-deserved sleep Monday night. After coming up short in Game 3 of the Conference Finals, the Celtics were determined to change the narrative.

A consecutive loss in game four would have given Jimmy Butler and company an early chance to snag an invitation to the NBA Finals. With the series in jeopardy, Boston’s veteran leaders took charge and helped secure a win at home.

Boston Celtics needed a big win at home

Defending home court was the mission for Jayson Tatum and company. Fans inside of TD Garden expected nothing less. A swarm of 19,156 spectators supported their hometown team from tip-off until the final buzzer.

An 18-1 lead in the first quarter made it easy for Boston fans to show their support. The team’s stifling defense caused Miami to miss their first 14 shots – the longest scoring drought since the Spurs in 2009.

The Celtics’ run in the first quarter showed a glimpse of how the night would result. From the beginning of the game, the Celtics made it apparent that they planned to match the physicality Miami brought earlier in the season.

Contributions from 14-year veteran Al Horford helped Boston keep the lid on the basket for the remainder of the half. His four blocks on the night helped limit the Heat to 33 first-half points.

Boston Celtics play behind a determined Jayson Tatum

While Horford focused on defense, Tatum focused on offense. The former Duke Blue Devil finished with 31 points while shooting 50.0% from the floor. Efficient free-throw shooting helped Boston’s primary scorer pad his point total even more. Miami sent Tatum to the line 16 times, resulting in 14 made attempts.

Crashing the boards was important for the Celtics during Game 4, too. Each starter for the Celtics finished the game with five rebounds or more. Boston outrebounded the Heat by 21, creating extra scoring opportunities.

Boston continued their dominance as the game went on, refusing to give up their comfortable lead. Their defensive efforts held Miami to a 33.0% field goal percentage for the night.

When the final buzzer sounded, the Heat trailed by 20 points. As the series returns to South Beach for a heavily anticipated Game 5, Erik Spoelstra and his staff must identify a solution to the team’s offensive woes. Another disappointing performance could put Miami in an uneasy situation.