Celtics Dominate Game 4, Take 3-1 Series Lead Over Heat

Celtics Dominate Game 4, Take 3-1 Series Lead Over Heat...

The Boston Celtics defeated the Miami Heat 112-94 in Game 4 of their first-round playoff series Thursday night at TD Garden. The win gives Boston a commanding 3-1 series lead, putting them one victory away from advancing to the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 28 points, while Jaylen Brown added 22. Miami struggled offensively, with Jimmy Butler limited to just 14 points on 5-of-13 shooting. The Heat never led after the first quarter as Boston's defense clamped down.

This matchup is trending nationally as the Celtics look to avenge last year's Eastern Conference Finals loss to Miami. Fans are particularly engaged after Boston's dramatic Game 3 comeback victory earlier this week.

Game 5 shifts to Miami's Kaseya Center on Saturday night. The Heat now face elimination and must win three straight games to avoid an early playoff exit. Boston hasn't lost consecutive games since early March.

Coach Joe Mazzulla praised his team's defensive intensity postgame: "When we play with that level of focus for 48 minutes, we're tough to beat." Miami's Erik Spoelstra acknowledged the challenge ahead: "We've been here before. This group knows what it takes."

The Celtics improved to 5-0 at home this postseason. A potential second-round matchup against either Cleveland or Orlando awaits if they close out the series. Boston last won an NBA championship in 2008.