Welcome to American Airlines Arena
MIAMI — Welcome to American Airlines Arena, where the Boston Celtics will take on the Miami Heat at 8:30 p.m. in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
If you don’t get many early updates from your favorites in the Boston media, it may be because they have trouble getting in. A slight logjam at the media entrance to the arena has delayed things a bit. Also it’s like 2,000 degrees out, give or take. Home court, indeed.
The Heat have been fantastic in this building this season, going 25-8 to tie for the best home record in the league. In addition to winning at home, the Heat tend to win when they score more points in the paint (5-1 this postseason), out-rebound opponents (4-1 this postseason), and attempt more free throws (6-2 this postseason). They’ve also done well in the playoffs when they win the battle of fast break points (7-1).
At least one national network has already written the Celtics off. As evidenced by players like Brandon Bass (above) warming up, they’re going to play the games anyway.
Enjoy Game 1, and check back for more updates from the locker rooms, the podium, and the court.
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