The No. 2 seed collapsed in Game 1.

The Boston Celtics lost 116-123 to the Miami Heat in Game 1 of the 2023 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Finals held at TD Garden in Boston on the 18th (hereinafter Korean time).

2 seed Boston vs. 8 seed Miami. Also home games. Boston’s dominance was predicted. As expected, Boston led the mood from the first half.

One-two punch Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown did their part, and Robert Williams reliably kept the bottom of the goal. Marcus Smart showed a smooth game management and Malcolm Brogdon added strength off the bench. Thanks to this, Boston finished the first half with a 66-57, 9-point lead.

The problem was in the 3rd quarter. I couldn’t find the good performance that I showed in the first half. Miami did not miss this opportunity. Jimmy Butler and Max Struss combined for 25 points in the third quarter alone to break Boston. Boston, on the other hand, remained silent. In the end, Boston scored 25-46 in the third quarter.

Boston struggled with a score of 25-20 in the 4th quarter, but could not overcome the score difference in the 3rd quarter. As a result, Boston failed to dominate the game and took the loss in Game 1.

“We won three quarters out of four, but we lost in the third quarter because we lost our urgency. It shouldn’t be like this,” Boston head coach Joe Mazzula said in an interview after the game.

Why did Boston become lethargic in the third quarter?안전놀이터 Director Majula pointed out the lack of operational time.

Manager Majula blamed himself, saying, “I requested two operational times in the first quarter. I needed to save it for the third quarter.”

But Smart stood up for manager Mazzula.

“We have to reflect on our play. We have to take responsibility,” Smart said.

The second leg of both teams will be held at the same place on the 20th. If you give up all the first two games at home, it will be virtually difficult to advance to the finals. It remains to be seen whether Boston can successfully counterattack by regaining its prestige as a top seed.