Jaylen Brown Explains What Went Wrong for Celtics in Game 1 vs. Heat

• The Boston Celtics were stunned by the Miami Heat in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals
• Despite having a nine-point lead in the first half, they collapsed in the second half to lose 123-116
• Jaylen Brown feels they relaxed in the second half

The Boston Celtics' defense of their Eastern Conference title began badly as they lost Game 1 of this year's conference final against the Miami Heat.

Despite having a solid nine-point lead at half-time, the Celtics collapsed in the third quarter, allowing the Heat to take control of the game and eventually steal a 123-116 win.

The Heat dominated the third quarter. They outscored the hosts 46-25 in the third quarter, turning a nine-point halftime deficit into a 12-point lead entering the final frame.

The hosts were on fire in the first half. They had 15 assists and only five turnovers, but that turned into 7 assists and 10 turnovers in the second half. Meanwhile, Miami had 11 assists and only four turnovers in the second half, per ESPN. Six Heat players scored in double figures.

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Jimmy Butler continued with his incredible postseason. In Game 1, he finished with 35 points, seven assists, six steals, and five rebounds.

Brown on what went wrong

Celtics stars Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum combined for 52 points in Game 1. Brown said they relaxed in the second half.

"It's a choice. It's a decision. Just come out and play with a different mentality. We came out too cool," Brown said. "It was just almost like we were just playing a regular-season game. It's the Eastern Conference Finals. Like, come on. We've got to play with more intensity than we did today. We've just got to be better, including me," via NBC Sports.

Boston have now lost Game 1 in the last two playoff series and can't afford to go 0-2 down before heading to Miami for Games 3 and 4. The Heat are a perfect 6-0 at home in the playoffs.

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Is 'Playoff Jimmy' a thing?

Sports Brief earlier reported on Butler saying the 'Playoff Jimmy' nickname is not a thing after they beat the Bucks in Game 4 in Round 1.

Butler scored 56 points in the clash to help his team narrowly win 119-114 and take a 3-1 series lead before they won in five games. He averaged 22.9 points in the regular season.

"It's not a thing. It's not. I just be hooping."