"They're taking their soul man" - Jay Williams reflects on Miami Heat's dominance over Boston Celtics
Jay Williams had strong opinions about the Miami Heat dominating the Boston Celtics in their conference finals series. The Heat went up 3-0 after winning Sunday's Game 3 128-102 in an old-fashioned blowout. The Celtics looked lifeless during the contest, seemingly giving up any hopes of making a comeback this series after losing games 1 and 2 at home.
During an appearance on ESPN's KJM podcast, Williams reflected on the Celtics' mindset during Game 3, saying:
"I've never seen a team just quit, roll over and die like the Celtics did last night... The Heat and Jimmy Butler, they're taking their soul, man."
From 0:17 mark*
The Celtics have potentially cost themselves the series after the Game 3 loss. It was their chance to save some face and give themselves a legitimate shot. Instead, they came out with a lack of intensity, especially on defense.
The Celtics underperformed big time as they were more than well-equipped to stop the resurgent Heat. They had players who could guard their positions efficiently, but the lack of trust in the locker room was displayed on the court.
Coach Joe Mazzulla held himself accountable, claiming he had lost the locker room and didn't have his players ready entering Sunday's contest. The Boston Celtics fell behind early, getting outscored by eight in the first quarter and by 15 at halftime.
It didn't take long for the Miami Heat to put the game to bed after they extended their lead by 30 entering the fourth, behind a 32-17 third-quarter run. The Heat shot the lights out against a listless Celtics defense, making 56.8% of their shots, including 19-of-35 from deep.
Also read: Joe Mazzulla says he has lost the Celtics locker room after Game 3 loss
Boston Celtics could likely get swept by Miami Heat
The Boston Celtics don't seem to be in any position to make a comeback in this series. It would take a miraculous effort against a focused and well-coached Miami Heat team. The Celtics have been beaten in every department thus far.
Erik Spoelstra has out-coached Joe Mazzulla by a mile, while Jimmy Butler has won the battle of superstars against Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. The Heat has continued their solid defense, which the Celtics' efficient offense doesn't seem to have the answers to.
The Boston Celtics shot only 39.8% in Game 3, including 11-of-42 from deep. They committed 15 turnovers, and the Miami Heat defense deserves credit for the same. Following Sunday's win, Miami has extended its perfect record at home in the playoffs to 6-0.
Considering how Boston's season has gone into a downward spiral this series, the Heat's home record could be 7-0 after the end of Game 4, with the Celtics likely to avoid a possible series sweep loss.
Also read: "Beatdown at the beach"- Shaquille O'Neal and Charles Barkley wreck the Celtics after a humiliating Game 3 loss