Miami Heat vs Boston Celtics, game three live updates, news, scores, Jimmy Butler, reaction, how to watch

LIVE: Eighth seed Miami Heat is handing a beat down to the second-seeded Boston Celtics in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals, with Jimmy Butler’s Heat surging towards a 3-0 lead on home court.

They lead by 61-44 at the main break.

The Heat led by eight at the first break, up 30-22. The lead stretched to as many as 22 points as bench stars Caleb Martin and Duncan Robertson (10 second-quarter points) tore the Celtics to shreds (plus-15 off the bench).

A 9-2 run before halftime narrowed the margin, but it was still Boston’s lowest halftime score and biggest halftime deficit of any game in this season’s playoffs.

Who will win it all? Watch every game of the NBA conference finals and Finals LIVE on ESPN on Kayo Sports. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >

Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown combined for just 19 points.

Boston were miserable on defence and spent much of the first half complaining about the referees, and were almost as poor up the other end of the court. The visitors shot just 20 of 49 from the floor, compared to Miami’s 23-of-40.

“The lack of mental toughness was embarrassing … That was an embarrassment by the Celtics,” Charles Barkley said at halftime.

Basketball pundit Stephen A Smith wrote: “You know what: I don’t even recognize these @celtics. They are getting their ass kicked. Look like they’re barely trying. @MiamiHEAT getting into lanes uncontested and at will.#Embarrassing!”

MORE COVERAGE

Lakers needing to make NBA history as LeBron on brink of crushing playoffs exit

‘Well done champ’: Kyrgios fumes as Celtics star picks fight with Butler, costs Boston the game

‘Treated like a god’: The big pull behind romantic Harden return as crucial $35m call looms

Ringer founder Bill Simmons wrote: “The fall of the Celtics defense in 2023 is just dumbfounding. Kudos to Miami for knowing exactly how to attack a disconnected, poorly coached half-asleep team. This is embarrassing. Oh and the timeout came 4 plays too late. Should be a fun pod tonight!”

LIVE BLOG

Follow the action in our live blog below!