The Miami Heat have taken a 1-0 series lead after beating the Boston Celtics in game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals. The Heat won 118-107 behind a strong second half both offensively and defensively. In the third quarter, the Heat outscored the Celtics 39-14 to give themselves a cushion and cruise to victory. Heat Head Coach Erik Spoelstra spoke postgame on his team’s resolve after being down eight points at halftime.
“The guys were just really disappointed at halftime,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. “I barely needed to say anything. Everybody was just disappointed at our defensive effort and focus. But look, this is a very good team that we’re playing against. So it’s not only us saying that, hey, we have to do that better. They are putting a lot of pressure on our defense, and that’s what you expect when you get to this level.”
Jimmy Butler led the way for the Miami Heat. Butler scored 41 points on 12-for-19 shooting from the field. Butler also grabbed nine rebounds and dished out five assists. Postgame Butler spoke on the Heat’s mindset and his mindset of being aggressive and locking down defensively.
“More than anything, it just shows us what we are capable of whenever we worry about getting stops, getting into the open floor, getting to the free throw line, all those good things. It just reminds me, we can do it. I see it on this piece of paper. I lived it. So I expect us to do that every quarter from here on out.”
More Heat Contributions
- Gabe Vincent scored 17 points, grabbed two rebounds, and dished out three assists.
- Max Strus scored 11 points, grabbed four rebounds, and dished out two assists.
- Bam Adebayo scored 10 points, grabbed four rebounds, and dished out an assist.
- Tyler Herro scored 18 points, grabbed eight rebounds, and dished out three assists.
Game 2 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals will take place on Thursday, 5/20 in Miami. Tip-off from the FTX Arena is at 8:30 pm Eastern.
