The Miami Heat edge closer to the NBA Finals after defeating the Denver Nuggets 112-109.
Tyler Herro, the rookie out of Kentucky erupted a career-high 37 points in another wire-to-wire finish for the Heat.
He also grabbed six rebounds and dished out three assists to put-up an all-around performance.
Herro, 20, made all types of history during Heat’s game four victory.
He surpassed South Beach legend, Dwyane Wade’s Heat record for most points in a playoff game.
He was the first player born in 2000s to ever play in the Conference Finals and the youngest player coming off the bench to drop 30 huge points in a playoff game.
Heat center Bam Adebayo hurt his wrist in the final minutes of the game.
He entangled with Jayson Tatum boxing-out in a rebound possession.
The bigman however is expected to play in game five after receiving treatments.
He finished the game with 20 points, 12 rebounds and four assists.
Interestingly, head coach Erik Spoelstra, who is known for using multiple players tightens his rotation in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Kendrick Nunn, Kelly Olynyk, and Derrick Jones Jr. were benched during game four.
The Filipino-American tactician opted for more experienced and playoff veteran Andre Iguodala who’s eyeing his sixth straight finals appearance after his stint with the Golden State Warriors.
Forward Jayson Tatum who was held scoreless in the first half was still able to finish with 28 points to lead the Celtics.
They will try to bounce back and avoid elimination on game five, Saturday, 8:30 am, Philippine Time.
In the western conference, the Los Angeles Lakers took a commanding 3-1 lead after trouncing the Denver Nuggets 114-108 in game four.
Anthony Davis and Lebron James combined for 60 big points for the purple and gold.
Dwight Howard who only scored four points and one rebound in game three flexed a double-double performance.
He registered 12 points and 11 rebounds in 23 minutes of action.
Point guard Rajon Rondo who orchestrated Lakers’ offense dished out seven assists moving up to 8th place on the all-time NBA playoffs assist list.
He now has a total of 1,049 assists after surpassing Chicago Bulls legend Scottie Pippen.
On the other hand, Denver is now once again in a familiar territory.
They are now down 3-1 in the series which they also suffered before trampling down the Utah Jazz and the Los Angeles Clippers in the first and second round respectively.
Jamal Murray led the Nuggets with 32 points, eight assists, and three rebounds. Game five is scheduled on Sunday, 9:00 am, Philippine time.
Heat (112) – Herro 37, Butler 24, Dragic 22, Adebayo 20, Crowder 3, Robinson 3, Iguodala 3, Hill 0.
Celtics (109) – Tatum 28, Brown 21, Walker 20, Hayward 14, Smart 10, Theis 8, Wanamaker 4, R. Williams 4.
Lakers (114) – Davis 34, James 26, Caldwell-Pope 13, Howard 12, Rondo 11, Kuzma 10, Green 3, Caruso 3, Morris 2, McGee 0.
Nuggets (108) – Murray 32, Grant 17, Jokic 16, Porter Jr. 13, Morris 12, Craig 7, Millsap 5, Harris 3, Plumlee 3, Dozier 0.