The Boston Celtics have put the Miami Heat in a serious predicament. Despite the series being tied at 1-1, the Celtics' dominant 127-102 victory on Saturday put the world on notice, proving that the Jayson Tatum-led offense is a dangerous weapon even in a tough road environment.
Many have begun speculation on how the Heat can swing momentum in their favor as the Eastern Conference Finals continues. Former Celtics role player Brian Scalabrine gave this take to SiriusXM NBA Radio:
“This thing is over unless Kyle Lowry comes back,” Scalabrine said. “You're not beating the Boston Celtics with Gabe Vincent and Max Strus. All the stuff that these guys do, it's not enough.”
Is this Celtics-Heat series over already?
If Kyle Lowry doesn't return, @Scalabrine thinks it is. #NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/IhAX61u0ve
— SiriusXM NBA Radio (@SiriusXMNBA) May 20, 2022
Scalabrine explained further, stating the Heat are talented in many facets of the game, but cannot compare to the Celtics in isolation without Kyle Lowry's ball-handling abilities.
Lowry, 36, has missed all but five games of this year's playoffs while struggling with a hamstring strain. In 19 regular-season games without the veteran floor general, the Heat went 12-7 and averaged 110 points per game while shooting about 46% from the field.
However, in Game 2, Lowry's absence proved fatal against Boston's switching defense. That, plus the return of Celtics core players in Marcus Smart and Al Horford, and Boston finds itself in a favorable position to secure its first NBA Finals appearance since 2010.
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