The Boston Celtics suffered a crushing 102-74 loss to the Miami Heat in Game 3, leading to a 3-0 deficit in the series. Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla took full responsibility for the loss, stating that he didn't have his team ready to play. However, analysts Shaquille O'Neal and Charles Barkley disagreed, feeling that the coach can't take all the blame. They emphasized that the players also need to step up and take responsibility, particularly stars like Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum. The Celtics' lack of defensive identity and sense of urgency were also highlighted as major issues. The conversation ended with Shaquille O'Neal jokingly guaranteeing a Celtics win in Game 4, which Charles Barkley strongly advised against.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The Boston Celtics lost Game 3 with a final score of 28 to 102.
2. The Celtics were led by as many as 33 points at one point in the game.
3. The team's head coach, Joe Mazzulla, took responsibility for the loss, stating he didn't have the team ready to play.
4. Coach Mazzulla said it was his job to make sure the players were connected and ready to play, but he didn't do that.
5. The Miami Heat have a unique team dynamic where everyone is a playmaker, which is different from other teams.
6. The Celtics' Jaylen Brown said the team was embarrassed by their performance and let their fans and organization down.
7. Brown also said the team lost their defensive identity, but wasn't sure where it started.
8. The Celtics are down 3-0 in the series and are facing elimination in Game 4.
9. The Miami Heat have been playing well, with multiple players contributing to their success.
10. The Celtics' player, Jayson Tatum, and Brown each held under 15 points in the same game for the second time this season.