NBA Playoffs 2012: Miami Heat vs. Boston Celtics, Game 3 t 8:30 p.m

While the Boston Celtics could not hold on in the roller coaster of a game against the Miami Heat on Wednesday, May 30, they certainly kept it exciting. Unfortunately a good game does not always translate into a win as the Celtics dropped to 0-2 in the best of seven series.

Rajon Rondo had a career game scoring 44 points, eight rebounds and 10 assists. He played the full 53 minutes, which in itself was beyond amazing. Love or hate the guy, his performance was spectacular.

Luckily Boston returns home for a pair of must-win games in the series. The Celtics are not out of it yet, but being down 2-0 is not the ideal place to be in. Boston certainly stepped up their game for Game 2 but will need to play at the same level and feed off the energy of their home crowd if they hope to stay alive.

The matchup:

The Boston Celtics will take on the Miami Heat at the TD Garden located in Boston, Mass. on Friday, June 1, 2012 at 8:30 p.m. EDT.

The standings:

Boston comes into Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals finishing the regular season with a 39-27 record. The Celtics defeated the Atlanta Hawks in the Eastern Conference Quarters in six games and the Philadelphia 76ers in the Eastern Conference Semis in seven games.

Miami enters the matchup having finished the season with a 46-20. The Heat defeated the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Quarters in five games and the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Semis in six games.

The playoff series:

The playoff series is currently stands at 2-0 in favor of the Heat.

Where to watch:

The game can be watched live nationwide on ESPN.

The playoff statistic leaders:

Boston: Kevin Garnett- 19.4 points per game, Rajon Rondo- 11.8 assists per game, Kevin Garnett- 10.5 rebounds per game.

Miami: LeBron James- 29.6 points per game, LeBron James- 5.8 assists per game, LeBron James- 9.2 rebounds per game.

Injuries to note:

Boston: Chris Wilcox (aortic abnormality), Jeff Green (aortic aneurysm), Avery Bradley (dislocated left shoulder).

Miami: Chris Bosh (abdominal strain).