Let's be real here: The Celtics are cruising, and letting Game 2 slip away seems like an even more devastating opportunity lost.

Through three quarters, Boston leads the Miami Heat 85-63 and they are doing it at both ends of the court, with stifling, 2008-like defense and prolific offense.

After a relatively quiet first half, Rajon Rondo led the scoring charge out of the locker room with seven points and three assists in the third quarter.

Off the bench, the Celtics are getting key contributions from Keyon Dooling and Marquis Daniels. While both players have been inconsistent this season, they're helping out tonight in ways they'll need to continue for the rest of the series. The two have combined for 16 points with Daniels providing extra effort on the defensive end.

Because the Heat have two of the best basketball playmakers in the world, no lead is ever entirely safe until the final buzzer has sounded. But you have to feel good about their chances of Boston avoiding a 3-0 series deficit and winning tonight.

For more on these teams, visit Heat blog Peninsula is Mightier and CelticsBlog. To stay up to date on all of the happenings in the 2012 NBA playoffs, head over to SB Nation's dedicated NBA hub.