In a highly anticipated matchup between the Boston Celtics and the Miami Heat, the Celtics showed their determination to match the physicality of their opponents. Led by Jayson Tatum's impressive triple-double, Boston secured a commanding 114-94 victory in their first-round playoff series on Sunday.

Tatum had a breakthrough performance, recording his first career playoff triple-double with 23 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists. His all-around brilliance set the tone for the Celtics' dominance throughout the game. Derrick White also made a significant contribution with 20 points and four assists, while six Celtics players finished in double-figures.

Boston's lead soared to a whopping 34 points in the fourth quarter before Miami launched a late run to narrow the gap. However, the Celtics stood strong and closed out the game, refusing to let their hard-fought lead slip away.

Last season, the Heat shattered the Celtics' NBA finals dreams by claiming a 3-0 lead in the conference finals and ultimately triumphing in Game 7 at Boston. However, the Celtics sought redemption on their home court, feeding off the energy of the TD Garden crowd. They tied a franchise playoff record with 22 three-pointers and outscored the Heat 31-14 in the third quarter, showcasing their offensive firepower.

Head Coach Joe Mazzulla expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance, emphasizing their ability to handle pressure for the majority of the game. Boston's dominance at home continued, with an impressive 38-4 record this season, including their four recent wins against the Heat.

Despite Miami's best efforts, they struggled to match Boston's intensity throughout the game. Bam Adebayo led the Heat's scoring efforts with 24 points, but the absence of star player Jimmy Butler, who sat out due to a right knee injury sustained during the play-in round, was evident. Terry Rozier also remained sidelined with a neck injury.

For Boston, the bench players stepped up in the absence of reserve big man Luke Kornet, who suffered a right calf injury in practice. The bench contributed 30 crucial points to the team's victory.

Looking ahead, both teams are preparing for Game 2, scheduled to take place in Boston on Wednesday. Tempers flared in the final minutes of the game when Caleb Martin's undercutting foul on Tatum caused a brief scuffle between the players, resulting in double technical fouls.

Tatum remained unfazed, acknowledging the physical nature of playoff basketball. Despite the hard hits, he emphasized the need to keep pushing forward and knocking down free throws.

Miami's Head Coach Erik Spoelstra admitted that Boston completely controlled the game, claiming victory in the "big muscle areas," the three-point line, and the majority of the areas in between. Spoelstra emphasized the importance of rebounding and acknowledged that his team fell short in that aspect, managing only five offensive rebounds.

The Celtics' dominant performance in the series opener sends a strong message to the Heat and sets the stage for an exciting playoff series. Miami will look to bounce back in Game 2, aiming to even the score and regain momentum in their pursuit of the NBA finals.