Celtics fight back against Heat

No team in the history of the NBA has been able to comeback from a three-game deficit in a playoff series. On May 7, the Boston Celtics played like they were well aware of that statistic. Thanks to big performances by Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce, the Celtics were able to defeat the Miami Heat for the first time in the 2011 NBA Playoffs, winning the game 97-81.

Defense was a big part of the Celtics victory over the Heat, holding Miami to 42.5 percent shooting from the field. Surprisingly, Mario Chalmers and Joel Anthony were the only members of the Heat roster to shoot over 50 percent against the Celtics in Game 3.

Dwyane Wade led the Heat in scoring, finishing the game with 23 points, 7 assists, and 6 rebounds. Chalmers had the second highest scoring total for the Heat, finishing with 17 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists. In another surprising twist, Heat center Joel Anthony was the only player on the Heat roster to finish the game with a double-double.

LeBron James had one of his worst playoff performances ever, shooting 37 percent from the field. LeBron struggled from the charity line as well, converting on only three of his seven attempts. James finished the game with 15 points and 7 rebounds.

Heat forward Chris Bosh was completely neutralized in Miami's May 7 encounter with the Celtics, only making one of his six field goal attempts. Bosh finished the game with six points and five rebounds.

The Celtics on the other hand had no problems putting the ball in the basket. They shot 50 percent from the field and the three point line. Kevin Garnet had a monstrous game, leading the Celtics to the victory. Garnett led both teams in scoring and rebounds with his 28 points and 18 rebounds. Rajon Rondo gave the Celtics an emotional boost, returning to the game after dislocating his elbow.

For the Heat, Game 4 is a must win as another Celtics win will nullify their solid start in the playoff series.

David is a Miami Heat fan that has followed the team for 15 years.

Sources:

Associated Press," Kevin Garnett, Celtics rebound to handle Heat in pivotal Game 3"

Game and player information from espn.com