Jimmy Butler’s 27-point performance led the Miami Heat to a 111-105 victory against the Boston Celtics, giving them a 2-0 lead in the Eastern Conference finals series.
Despite trailing by 11 points early in the fourth quarter, the Heat mounted an impressive comeback with a 20-9 run to secure the win.
Butler, who scored nine crucial points in the final quarter, engaged in a spirited exchange with Boston’s Grant Williams after hitting a significant shot.
“I enjoy the competition and the banter,” Butler commented. “It fuels my desire to win even more. It brings out that fighting spirit in me. It puts a smile on my face. But it’s all part of the game. I do have respect for him; he’s an integral part of their team. Although, I’m not sure if I’m the best person to engage with.”
Caleb Martin, the Heat forward, added, “We welcome ‘Mad’ Jimmy anytime. I could see the fire in his eyes after that incident, and he was ready to go.”
Butler’s contributions extended beyond scoring, as he also grabbed eight rebounds, dished out six assists, and recorded three steals. Martin contributed 25 points to the Heat’s victory.
Boston Celtics’ Jayson Tatum delivered an impressive performance with 34 points, 13 rebounds, and eight assists. However, for the second consecutive game, he failed to score a field goal in the fourth quarter. His five points in the final quarter came from free throws as the Celtics suffered their second home defeat against the Heat.
The series now moves to Miami for the next two games, with game three scheduled for Sunday (01:30 BST Monday).
Tatum expressed confidence in his team despite the challenging situation, stating, “It’s tough. It’s a challenge. But there’s no point in feeling down. They came here and won two games. We have to give them credit. However, we’re not defeated. We still have the utmost confidence, and everyone on the team feels the same way.”
