The Boston Celtics qualified for the semifinals of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association (NBA) after decisively defeating the Miami Heat 118:84 at home in game number 5 of the series between the two teams.
The Celtics, who were without Kristaps Porzingis, ended the Heat's season after another strong game by Derrick White. The guard scored 25 points in the win, making five of his ten three-point shots. Jaylen Brown also finished with 25 points. Sam Hauser scored 17 from the bench, Jayson Tatum had a double-double - 16 points and 12 rebounds, and Jrue Holiday scored 10.
For the Heat, who again could not rely on Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo was above everyone with 23 points. Tyler Herro scored 15 points, and Caleb Martin and Thomas Bryant scored 10 each, but Erik Spoelstra's team lost chances to advance.
Boston awaits the winner of the series between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Orlando Magic in the semifinals, where the Cavaliers lead 3-2.
In another matchup, but in the West, the Dallas Mavericks defeated the LA Clippers in the fifth match of the series with 123:93 on the road and is one win away from the semifinals with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Luka Doncic had a strong game with 35 points, 7 rebounds and 10 assists. He was helped by his teammates, with five of them going over the 10-point mark – Maxi Kleber (15), Kyrie Irving (14), Jaden Hardy (14), Derrick Jones Jr. (12) and Dereck Lively II.
For the Clippers, who no longer have the right to retreat and will look to return the series to Los Angeles, Paul George and Ivica Zubac scored 15 points each, Norman Powell scored 14, and Terence Mann and Bones Hyland finished with 11 points each. /BGNES
