The Celtics dropped Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals in disheartening fashion to Jimmy Butler and the Heat, falling 123-116.
Here are the takeaways.
1. Well, that was probably to be expected.
One game removed from their best performance of the playoffs — and one of the best individual performances in franchise history by Jayson Tatum — the Celtics got demolished in the second half by the Heat, a tough-minded team that should prove to be more of a challenge than any the Celtics have faced so far.
Jimmy Butler was brilliant, notching 35 points on 12-for-25 shooting with six steals that cost the Celtics dearly.