The beat goes on for the Miami Heat, who are heavy underdogs in the Eastern Conference Finals versus the Boston Celtics.
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 one of the Eastern Conference finals on Wednesday.
Miami Heat back to NBA’s final four top New York Knicks 96-92 for series win, Jalen Brunson dominant
Heat were down nine at the half before scoring a franchise playoff record 46 points in the third, outscoring Boston 66-50 over the final two quarters.
“It feels like this has been our existence all year long,” Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra said. “I guess no one is paying attention. It felt like weeks on end; every shot was ending on the last second shot.”
It was Butler’s fifth game with 30 or more points this postseason, and he added seven assists, six steals, and five rebounds.
Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 30 points but didn’t take a shot in the fourth quarter.
Celtics are 4-4 at home in the postseason.
Game two is Friday in Boston.
Photo/MiamiHeat/Twitter
