Three-point variance. That’s how the Boston Celtics took down the Miami Heat in Game 1.
Boston poured in 22 three-pointers to Miami’s 12, creating a 30-point gap in a game they ultimately won by 20. And if it weren’t for a 7/9 Heat surge from distance in the final frame, the difference would have been even greater.
Threes were a primary point of emphasis during the two-day break between games. Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra knew that some of the math had to chance.
“I understand the math to it: You don’t want to lose in a certain area by 30 points,” Spoelstra said via ESPN.