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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Cameron Tabatabaie

Jayson Tatum scores 49 as Boston beats Miami 134-121

Jayson Tatum erupted for 49 points as he and the Boston Celtics defeated the Miami Heat 134-121 at home Wednesday night, extending the club’s win streak to five games. This was Bostons third consecutive game scoring 130 or more points, the first time doing so since 1968.

Seven Heat players scored in double-figures – Miami certainly made things difficult for Boston. The Celtics, however, finished the game shooting 55.4% from the field as a team. As good as Miami was on offense, Boston was just a bit better. A monster performance from Tatum simply sealed the deal.

With the Prince and Princess of Wales sitting courtside, the Celtics pulled out another big win for their esteemed guests. Here’s what you may have missed from the Celtics’ big win over the Heat.

The Celtics had royal visitors

The Boston Celtics played host to some serious VIPs during Wednesday night’s game. The Prince and Princess of Wales Prince William and Kate Middleton were in attendance. These distinguished guests were in Boston as part the Earthshot Prize ceremony, an international environmental award founded by the Royal Family in 2020.

Prince William and Princess Catherine were joined by a long list of distinguished guests. Boston Celtics owners Wyc Grousbeck and Steven Pagliuca sat court-side with the royals, as did Boston mayor Michelle Wu, governor-elect Maura Healey, and Celtics great Satch Sanders.

Boston's incredible shooting prowess was on full display

The Celtics are one of the most prolific three-point shooting team in the NBA this season. As a team, Boston is ranked first in three-point shooting percentage and second in attempts per game. This shooting prowess was indeed on full display against Miami.

Boston canned nine threes in the first quarter alone, and ended the night 22-of-45 from distance. Derrick White and Malcolm Brogdon were particularly good for the Celts. The contributed a combined 46 points and helped buoy the offense alongside Jayson Tatum, especially important as Jaylen Brown dealt with foul trouble for much of the game.

The Celtics explosive offense has been a huge part of the team’s success this season. Tonight marked the fifth game in a row where the club scored north of 120 points. Unsurprisingly, Boston is 5-0 in those games.

Jayson Tatum put on a show

Jayson Tatum’s MVP candidacy was put in stark relief against Miami. The possible MVP frontrunner was sensational in his club’s victory. He ended the night with 11 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals on top of his huge night scoring the ball.

Tatum’s effort on defense can’t be ignored either. He made huge plays down the stretch to keep his team in front of a pesky Heat team. With Robert Williams still working his way back from injury, Tatum has stepped up as a defensive anchor in a big way.

Boston will see Miami at home again on Friday. From there, the team embarks on a six-game road trip, including some difficult western conference rivals.

Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ

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