Celtics Embarrassed in Game 3 of Eastern Conference Finals, Facing 0-3 Series Deficit

The Boston Celtics expected to bring an 18th championship to the city this season, but instead find themselves on the brink of elimination after a devastating 128-102 loss to the eighth-seeded Miami Heat in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals. "It's just embarrassing," said Jaylen Brown when asked about the loss. The Heat controlled the game from start to finish, leading by as many as 22 points in the first half and 33 points in the game.

Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla accepted full responsibility for the defeat, saying "I just didn't have [the players] ready to play. I have to get them in a better place to be ready to play, and that's on me." Jaylen Brown disagreed, saying it was a "collective effort" and Al Horford added, "That falls on each player." It was a tough night for the Celtics stars, as both Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum shot a combined 12-for-35.

Even though the Celtics are now down 0-3 against Miami, Jayson Tatum is not giving up. "We've got to have some pride, bounce back and just be better come Tuesday," he said. With their season on the line in Game 4, the Celtics will have to summon something truly magical to turn this series around and prevent the Heat from advancing.