2023-05-30T03:45:52Z
The Miami Heat avoided becoming the first team to squander a 3-0 NBA playoff series lead after beating the Boston Celtics 103-84 in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Monday.
After a dramatic defeat in the final seconds at home in Game 6 on Saturday, Miami got the win they needed at Boston’s TD Garden to reach the NBA Finals against the Denver Nuggets, with that series set to begin on Thursday.
Miami’s Jimmy Butler, named the Eastern Conference Finals MVP, struggled in Game 6 but was back to his best on Monday with a game-high 28 points.
“I have so much belief in myself, and this group of guys I know how good of a team we are and we made it happen,” said Butler after receiving the Larry Bird MVP trophy.
“We stayed together as a team, we are excited and happy, but we have four more (wins) to do”
Jaylen Brown had 19 points and Derrick White 18 for Boston, with the duo coming alive in the third quarter when it looked like the Celtics would come from behind once again.
Boston’s Jayson Tatum was not fully fit and looked to be limping after twisting his ankle in the opening seconds.
Miami became just the second eighth-seeded team to reach the NBA Finals after the New York Knicks in 1999.
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May 29, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Miami Heat guard Gabe Vincent (2) shoots against Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) during the third quarter of game seven of the Eastern Conference Finals for the 2023 NBA playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
May 29, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Miami Heat forward Caleb Martin (16) controls the ball against Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) in the second quarter during game seven of the Eastern Conference Finals for the 2023 NBA playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
May 29, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) shoots against Miami Heat forward Duncan Robinson (55) and forward Jimmy Butler (22) in the second quarter during game seven of the Eastern Conference Finals for the 2023 NBA playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
May 29, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Miami Heat guard Max Strus (31) controls the ball against Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) in the second quarter during game seven of the Eastern Conference Finals for the 2023 NBA playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
May 29, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) celebrates with forward Caleb Martin (16) in the fourth quarter against the Boston Celtics during game seven of the Eastern Conference Finals for the 2023 NBA playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
May 29, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) shoots a three pointer against Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) in the second quarter during game seven of the Eastern Conference Finals for the 2023 NBA playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
May 29, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Miami Heat forward Duncan Robinson (55) goes after a loose ball against Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) during the second quarter of game seven of the Eastern Conference Finals for the 2023 NBA playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
May 29, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) controls the ball against Boston Celtics center Robert Williams III (44) in the second quarter during game seven of the Eastern Conference Finals for the 2023 NBA playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
May 29, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla reacts in the second quarter against the Miami Heat during game seven of the Eastern Conference Finals for the 2023 NBA playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
May 29, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Miami Heat guard Kyle Lowry (7) shoots a three pointer in the second quarter against the Boston Celtics during game seven of the Eastern Conference Finals for the 2023 NBA playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
May 25, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) controls the ball in the third quarter against the Boston Celtics during game five of the Eastern Conference Finals for the 2023 NBA playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
