'They're different': New-look Celtics flash promise in vengeful victory against Heat
The Boston Celtics entered the 2023-24 NBA season with a lot of promise. After coming up short in the Eastern Conference Finals the previous season, they added two key pieces in Derrick White and Kristaps Porzingis.
In their home opener against the Miami Heat, the Celtics showed that they are indeed a different team. They led by as many as 23 points in the fourth quarter before cruising to a 119-111 victory.
"They're different," said longtime Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra. "We've been at this with them for four years since the bubble, and they've gotten better every year. They're deeper, they're more versatile, and they have more playmakers."
The Celtics were led by White, who scored 25 points and added seven assists. He was particularly effective in the fourth quarter, when he hit several key shots to help Boston maintain its lead.
"Derrick was huge for us tonight," said Celtics head coach Ime Udoka. "He came off the bench and gave us a spark. He made big plays on both ends of the floor."
Porzingis also had a strong debut for the Celtics. He finished with 18 points and 10 rebounds, and he was a force on defense, blocking two shots and altering several others.
"I'm just trying to do whatever I can to help the team win," said Porzingis. "I'm still learning the system, but I'm getting more comfortable every day."
The Celtics also got solid contributions from their other starters. Jayson Tatum had 22 points, Jaylen Brown had 19 points, and Marcus Smart had 10 points and five assists.
The Heat were led by Tyler Herro, who had 23 points. However, they were unable to overcome the Celtics' depth and versatility.
"We just didn't have it tonight," said Heat forward Jimmy Butler. "The Celtics were the better team. They outplayed us and outcoached us."
The Celtics' victory was a statement to the rest of the NBA. They showed that they are a team to be reckoned with this season.
Analysis
The Celtics' victory over the Heat was a significant one for several reasons. First, it showed that they are a different team than the one that fell short in the Eastern Conference Finals last season. The addition of White and Porzingis has given them more depth and versatility, and they are now a much more dangerous team to guard.
Second, the victory showed that the Celtics are not afraid of the Heat. The Heat have been a thorn in the Celtics' side in recent years, but the Celtics showed that they can beat them even on a night when the Heat are playing well.
Third, the victory showed that the Celtics are a contender for the NBA championship. They have a deep and talented roster, and they are playing with a lot of confidence.
Key takeaways
- The Celtics are a different team than the one that fell short in the Eastern Conference Finals last season.
- The addition of Derrick White and Kristaps Porzingis has given them more depth and versatility.
- The Celtics are not afraid of the Heat.
- The Celtics are a contender for the NBA championship.
Looking ahead
The Celtics will look to build on their momentum when they face the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday. The Bucks are another team that the Celtics have struggled with in recent years, but the Celtics will be confident that they can beat them with their new-look lineup.
If the Celtics can continue to win games, they will be one of the favorites to win the NBA championship this season. They have the talent, the depth, and the experience to compete with any team in the league.
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