No one expected that playing against the Celtics at TD Garden, the Heat would erase a 12-point deficit and turn the score around with a 46–25 run in the third quarter to win Game 1 of the Finals, 123–116. For. Eastern Conference.
Although in truth it may not be as complete as the confidence the Miami team had in its chances, as it has been used to adversity during this season.
It was indeed a tough place to play in Boston, but the Heat combined with their immense mental toughness to compete fiercely against a talented opponent this season and take the series 1-0 in their favor.
Nothing’s been won yet, but as Miami star Jimmy Butler bested Wednesday with 35 points and 6 steals against the Celtics, the team still has 7 wins to go, three of them against the Celtics. , which they can never give removed.
So this Friday, May 19 (8:30 p.m. ET on TV: TNT and MIX 98.3 FM in Spanish with Jose Pineda and Joe Pujala), again in Boston, the second game counts.
A win for the Celtics would tie the series at 1–1, but a win for the Heat would make it 2–0 in their favor and put their opponent on the ropes ahead of Game 3 at Miami’s Kasya Center. and 4 before playing.
The Suns Capitals quintet wasn’t as efficient this time around defensively, but their attack was ferocious not only with Butler, who was unstoppable and scored 2 triples in four attempts, but also with six players from the entire team reaching double figures and shooting 54.1 percent effectiveness (51.6 in triples).
Butler credits his momentum to his teammates’ trust in him, but the Heat certainly dance to his tune.
Butler said after the win, “I’ve been playing at an unbelievable level because they let me.” “They’re not putting any limits on my game. They’re handing me the ball on the defensive end. I think that’s what any basketball player wants.”
“We’ve been playing really, really good basketball. More than anything, we’ve stayed together through the good and the bad.”
Miami coach Erik Spoelstra praised Butler for a great job after explaining what happened.
Heat player Bam Adebayo walks to the rim while Jayson Tatum of the Celtics plays in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals on May 17, 2023 in Boston. Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports
“Jimmy is one of the premier two-way basketball players in this league,” Spoelstra said.
“He did what we needed. In the final stages he did everything as a scorer and a facilitator.
“It wasn’t an easy regular season that we had, but we all grew and got better from it. We didn’t let that break us, but we worked hard and developed the kind of determination and grit that we needed season after season.” needed.’
Bam Adebayo, with his 20 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists, starred in a good duel with Robert Williams III, 14 cards and seven rebounds, and was key in the victory.
Heat player Gabe Vincent drives the hoop against Robert Williams III of the Celtics in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals on May 17, 2023 in Boston. Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Others who shone were Gabe Vincent, Max Strauss, Kyle Lowry and Caleb Martin, all four with 15 points.
Jason Tatum led Boston’s offense with 30 points, shooting 51.9 percent (34.5% on 3-pointers), followed by Jaylen Brown with 22 and Malcolm Brogdon with 19.
Boston players are expected to increase their aggression for Game 2 as if it were an elimination game.
To get the win, Miami will have to improve its defense, maintain its aggression and hopefully shoot the opponent’s hoop.
