Butler and Miami stun the Celtics in Game 1 of the Conference Finals

2023-05-18T07:39:01+00:00 2023-05-18T07:39:01+00:00.

Aris Barkas

18/May/23 07:39

Eurohoops.net
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 17: Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat is defended by Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics during the third quarter of game one of the Eastern Conference Finals at TD Garden on May 17, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)

With Jimmy Butler leading the way again, the Miami Heat started the Eastern Conference Finals with a road win

By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net

Jimmy Butler scored 35 points, including 20 after halftime, and the Heat rallied in the second half to beat the Celtics 123-116 in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals on Wednesday night.

Miami trailed by nine at the half before an amazing comeback with a franchise playoff-record 46 points in the third and outscoring Boston 66-50 over the final two quarters.

It was Butler’s fifth game with 30 or more points this postseason and he added seven assists, six steals and five rebounds.

“I’m playing at an incredible level because they are allowing me to do so,” Butler said after the game, giving credit to his teammates. “They are not putting a limit on my game. They are trusting me with the ball, on the defensive end. I think that’s what any basketball player wants.”

Bam Adebayo added 20 points and eight rebounds. Kyle Lowry, Caleb Martin, Gabe Vincent and Max Strus all added 15 points apiece. The Heat went 16 of 31 from the 3-point line.

Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 30 points, but didn’t take a shot in the fourth quarter. Jaylen Brown finished with 22 points and nine rebounds. Malcolm Brogdon added 19 points.

Boston is just 4-4 at home during this postseason.

“I don’t know why,” Tatum said of their home struggles. “You’ve still got to play the game, you’ve got to make plays, regardless of whether you’re home or away.”

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