(Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images)
Without Jimmy Butler available for the Miami Heat, the Boston Celtics took care of business in Game 1 as they cruised to a 114-94 victory to take a 1-0 lead.
The Celtics were well-rested after waiting for the Play-In Tournament to play out, and they were fortunate to draw the Heat who had to play an extra game after losing to the Philadelphia 76ers early last week.
Boston was in control from the opening tip, playing their usual brand of tough-nosed defense while getting their way offensively.
The Heat showed some grit throughout the afternoon, but they were clearly undermanned on the floor.
Although the game was well out of hand late in the fourth quarter, head coach Erik Spoelstra called a timeout and on the ensuing play afterward Caleb Martin can be seen undercutting Jayson Tatum on a rebound attempt.
Brian Scalabrine pointed out the sequence and called out Spoelstra for being “shady,” via NBC Sports Boston.
“Erik Spoelstra called a timeout with a 1:30 left down by 16, 30 seconds later that play happens… that looked shady to me,” Scalabrine said.
“Erik Spoelstra called a timeout with a 1:30 left down by 16, 30 seconds later that play happens… that looked shady to me.”
Brian Scalabrine reacts to Caleb Martin’s foul on Jayson Tatum pic.twitter.com/XRchYpbOVh
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) April 21, 2024
On the play in question, Bam Adebayo can be seen trying to score near the painted area and as Tatum goes up to rebound, Martin crashes down and comes into contact with the forward’s legs.
Tatum takes a hard fall to the ground but immediately gets up and walks away from Martin, though his teammates took exception.
Scalabrine’s assertion shouldn’t be taken lightly as Spoelstra isn’t known for advising his players to target others, though this will likely be a theme the rest of the series.
The post Former Player Accuses Erik Spoelstra Of ‘Dirty Play’ In Game 1 Loss appeared first on The Cold Wire.