MADRID, 18 May. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Miami Heat defeated the Boston Celtics (116-123) this morning in the first game of the NBA Eastern Conference final, after an excellent third quarter in the offensive aspect and thanks to a stellar Jimmy Butler who was the leader of his team with 35 points.
Those from Florida gave the first blow of the crossing and ‘stolen’ the home court factor from Boston, winning the first game of the Conference final, relying on their star. Butler continued with his usual excellent level in these ‘Playoffs’ adding 35 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists to storm the Garden, in the fifth consecutive duel exceeding thirty in scoring.
Boston dominated the first half (66-57) with a vital Jason Tatum (30) who finished those first two periods with 18 points, in addition to the also successful Robert Williams III, Malcolm Brogdon and Jaylen Brown. But that superiority moved to the other bench after the break, in a third quarter for some Heat who feasted with 46 points to the 25 for the locals.
In addition to Butler’s 35, the team that has continued to surprise since it advanced in the play-in, relied on another five players with double figures. Bam Adebayo shined with 20 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists, while Gabe Vincent, Max Strus, Caleb Martin and Kyle Lowry also had 15 points.
With the home court factor in their favor, the Heat will have to maintain their high level in Florida at dawn from Friday to Saturday, when the second game is played, to take the crossing to Miami with a 0-2 ‘cushion’, in their third conference finals in four years.