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While the Celtics are searching for an identity under new coach
Ime Udoka, the Heat boast a stifling defense that has many
predicting a deep postseason run.
"I would consider them the best team in the league right now,"
Dallas Mavericks coach Jason Kidd said of Miami. "They're
playing at a very, very high level. They've been together and
they know what it takes to win."
Four Miami players scored at least 22 points -- a first in
franchise history -- on Tuesday in a 125-110 win over the
Mavericks, who trailed 20-9 after seven minutes.
Tyler Herro scored 25 points off the bench in the victory while
Jimmy Butler added 23 points. Kyle Lowry had 22 points and Bam
Adebayo contributed 22 points and 13 rebounds.
Miami has prevailed by double digits in each of its six wins
while holding opponents to 98.9 points per game, the lowest
average in the NBA.
Butler is averaging 25 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.6 assists to
lead the Heat, whose 6-1 start is their best since the 2012-13
championship season.
Miami's defense poses a tough matchup for Boston, which blew a
19-point lead Monday in a 128-114 loss to the Chicago Bulls.
The Celtics submitted an improved effort against Orlando on
Wednesday. Jaylen Brown scored 28 points, Jayson Tatum added 14
and Al Horford tallied 12 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists.
Brown made 10 of 17 shots and had his fifth 20-point game of the
season.
After Monday's loss, guard Marcus Smart said Brown and Tatum
need to pass the ball more in order for the team's offense to
flourish.
"Every team knows we are trying to go to Jayson and Jaylen, and
every team is programmed and studies to stop Jayson and Jaylen,"
Smart said. "I think everybody's scouting report is to make
those guys try to pass the ball. They don't want to pass the
ball, and that's something that they're going to learn."
ESPN reported that the Celtics held a players-only meeting prior
to Wednesday's contest, but Udoka downplayed any internal
tension.
"Some of the things he said are things we talk about every day,"
the first-year coach said. "I've preached that from day one.
Jayson and Jaylen are guys growing in that area, being
playmakers, so it's stuff we're constantly showing on film,
talking about, so it's nothing new as far as what we have shown
and done, and they've done a great job in those areas."
Udoka added, "Marcus, Jayson and Jaylen have a long history
together, and every team I've ever been on has had moments when
they butt heads. It's nothing we haven't talked about."
Boston, which has lost its past two meetings against Miami,
continues to tinker with a rotation that includes guard Dennis
Schroder. The veteran is averaging 13.3 points and six assists
off the bench.
--Field Level Media
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