1989 Eastern Conference First Round Game 5 vs Boston Celtics
Heat topple Celtics in first playoff series
The Miami Heat defeated the Boston Celtics 3-2 in the 1989 Eastern Conference First Round, marking the franchise's first playoff series victory.
- Series Status
- Eastern Conference First Round
- Opponent
- Boston Celtics
- Result
- Miami Heat Win (OT)
- Location
- Boston Garden, Boston, MA
- Key Moment
- Glen Rice Game-Winner in Overtime
Lore & Background
The Heat's 1989 playoff series against the Celtics was their first postseason appearance. The team won the best-of-five series 3-2, eliminating the Celtics.
In Their Own Story
The clock ticked down in overtime at the Boston Garden, the air thick with the smell of popcorn and tension. The crowd roared as Glen Rice drove the lane, his eyes locked on the rim. With the defense collapsing, he pulled up from the elbow, a shot that had been his lifeline all season. The ball arced high against the rafters, silence falling over the arena for a split second before it swished through the net.
Reader's Guide
The series was a best-of-five format. The Heat won the series 3-2, advancing to the next round.
Did You Know?
- This was the first playoff series ever played by the Miami Heat franchise.
- The Heat won the series 3-2, eliminating the Celtics.
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