Boston Celtics narrow deficit against Miami Heat in NBA playoffs

The Boston Celtics re-energized their playoff ambitions with stifling defence as they overcame the Miami Heat 101-91 on Friday to cut their NBA Eastern Conference finals series deficit to 2-1. Miami won the first two games of the best-of-seven series on their home court but failed to take their winning ways to Boston, who neutralised the Heat's key duo, LeBron James and Dwyane Wade. All six Conference finals series games have now been won by the home team, after Oklahoma City Thunder pulled their series back to 1-2 on Thursday. James, the league's Most Valuable Player, scored 16 points in the first quarter but Boston restricted him to only 18 more over the rest of the game. Chris Bosh is still missing from the Heat lineup. Kevin Garnett led the Celtics with 24 points, supported with 23 points from forward Paul Pierce, while Rajon Rondo had 21 and 10 assists. Boston can tie up the series with victory in Game Four on Sunday. Hunter Felt's NBA playoffs blog