There could be some extra pressure on the Celtics’ second regular-season game.
The Eastern Conference finals between the Miami Heat and the Celtics have previously been tied. Miami’s victory in the exciting seven-game series from the previous year is definitely still fresh in both organizations’ memories. However, the upcoming season is a fresh start.
Boston defeated the New York Knicks 108-104 on Wednesday to start the season with a valiant effort. With 30 points, Kristaps Porzingis had the best performance of any player making his Celtics debut.
Miami’s victory over the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday, 103-102, got them off to a good start as well. Leading the way in the triumph were Bam Adebayo (22 points, 8 rebounds) and Jimmy Butler (19 points, 13 rebounds).
Stat of the day: With 11 blocks in their season-opening victory, the Celtics would have tied for the second-highest total in any regular season game they played in 2022–2023 overall.
Notes: Guard Gabe Vincent signed a contract with the Lakers during the offseason, meaning he is no longer with the Heat. On Wednesday, Jaime Jaquez Jr., the 18th overall draft pick, and free agent addition Thomas Bryant were added to the lineup. .. Miami struggled to hold off the youthful Pistons in the first game of the season. With 9:07 remaining in the game, the Heat had a 19-point lead, but in the last 1:04, Detroit missed four chances to tie the score. ..The Celtics could face difficulties once more given that they only managed seven offensive rebounds on Wednesday compared to the Knicks’ 17. The Heat’s first game saw them grab 16 offensive rebounds. .. On defense, Jayson Tatum recorded six deflections on Wednesday, which is tied for the second-highest total of any player this year.
