The Celtics' defense was suffocating, holding the Heat to just 44 points in the first half and 97 points for the game. They forced 18 turnovers, which they turned into 24 points.
The Celtics' offense was balanced, with four players scoring 20 or more points. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown both scored 21 points, while Derrick White and Marcus Smart each scored 24.
Derrick White had a big game, scoring 24 points and hitting five three-pointers. He also had four rebounds and three assists.
Marcus Smart had a triple-double, finishing with 23 points, 11 assists, and five steals. He also had two rebounds and two blocks.
The Celtics won the rebounding battle, 47-39. They also had a 20-10 advantage in fast break points.
The Celtics made 20 three-pointers, compared to just 10 for the Heat. They shot 46.7% from beyond the arc, compared to just 33.3% for the Heat.
The Celtics were led by their bench, which outscored the Heat's bench 46-17.
The Celtics played with a sense of urgency and desperation, knowing that their season was on the line. They were able to maintain their focus and intensity throughout the game, which was a key to their victory.