Heat Defeat Celtics: Recap and What We Learned

Photo By Andrew Innerarity/REUTERS

The Miami Heat topped the Celtics in Miami 120 to 107

They were in control for the majority of the game, and never seemed to sweat the many runs by the Celtics. Lebron James finished with 26 points and 10 rebounds. He and Chris Bosh cleaned the boards for Miami with 20 out of the 31 total rebounds for the Heat. Rebounding could prove to be a problem for the Heat if they hope to repeat this year.

Speaking of a repeat, before the game was the ring ceremony for the Champion Miami Heat players of 2011. To begin the ceremony David Stern showed his age when recognizing the victims of Hurricane Sandy by saying "Katrina" instead. After Stern finally finished, they presented the rings.

"Its amazing, its like my first born, " said James to TNT reporters after the ceremony. The rings hold not 5, not 6, but 219 diamonds each. The same number as the age of Kevin Garnett. Maybe not, but it sure seemed like it the way he was playing.

Garnett finished with 9 points and a very cold shoulder when Ray Allen came over to greet him.

Allen and the Celtics had much drama including his role being downgraded as he was forced to the bench for guard Avery Bradley. After a season of flux and the Celtics actually trying to trade him, Allen signed with Miami in the off-season. This absolutely pissed the Celtics off.

Allen proved the Celtics made a mistake the second he hit the court. Allen sunk his first shot which happened to be a shot clock buzzer-beater in the corner. It was in classic Ray Allen fashion as the buzzer rang and the ball hit the bottom of the net. Miami fans instantly fell in love. From there, I could see the rivalry between Boston and Miami intensify.

From then on it was pretty much all Miami. Dwyane Wade finished with 29 points, but seemed to be forcing the issue for much of the game. Wade was playing like someone who had something to prove, which is a step up from the nonchalant performance he had vs. the Pacers last year. However, Wade and Haslem, the only two players left from the 2006 championship team, were the only two players with a negative plus/minus number.

For the Celtics, they proved to be very deep, just not strong enough. The Celtics roster looks very nice as they have the best bench in the NBA. The play of Jason Terry was great as usual. Barbosa stepped up to the plate with 16 off the bench, and Courtney Lee fit into the offense pretty well.

What We Learned

There Will Be Blood

The Celtics and Heat hate each other. They are going to have many great battles within these next two years as this rivalry is looks to be the heart of the Eastern Conference. Miami is definitely the superior in the match-ups, but I wouldn't be surprised if the Celtics didn't take a few at home. Also,  don't think Wade is going to forget about that Rondo chokehold at the end of the game anytime soon.

Celtics Offense Is Looking good

Paul Pierce is still a good scorer (and a sissy) but he doesn't have to be. The additions of Jason Terry and the comeback of Jeff Green should take much of the offensive burden off Pierces back. With Rondo facilitating that offense, the Celtics look to be in good shape to finish with a top 3 seed in the East.

Miami Will Force Teams To Adapt

Miami's small ball style forced the Celtics to get out and run much more than they are used to. The Celtics seemed to be playing out of their game and it resulted in Miami scoring 120 points. The Celtics only allowed teams to peak 100, 57 times out of 66 last year. The Heat had their way and in the end had the victory.

Also, congratulations to Dwyane Wade for scoring his 15,000th point.