The Heat defeated the Celtics in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals. With the win, Miami earned its 37th clutch victory of the season.
Despite being outplayed most of the game, the Heat were able to pull away in the fourth quarter on Wednesday. It should come as no surprise, though. Since the regular season, that’s who Miami has been: a scary team to beat when the score is within five points with five minutes or less left in the contest.
In last 25 years, only one other team has as many wins. Lo and behold, it’s another repeat of the fever.
With potentially another streak to come, Miami likely won’t share this record for much longer.
The Heat steal Game 1 in Boston
Miami stunned Celtics fans after beating the hosts 123-116. Led by Jimmy Butler, the eighth outscored Boston 46-25 in the third quarter. Consequently, they led by 12 points going into the final frame
Although the Celtics turned the ball over late, the Heat’s experience in these types of moments was appropriate. After seven, with less than a minute to play, Butler hit a three-pointer to ice the contest.
The Heat star finished with 35 points, seven assists and five rebounds. Furthermore, his defensive prowess was also on full display. Butler recorded six steals, including a timely one in the fourth quarter.
After the game, Butler addressed those who picked him to lose.
“Damn right, I did,” Butler said. “Damn right we did. And the best part is, we still don’t care what any of you think. Frankly said. We don’t care if you pick us to win. We never will, we never will. We know the group of guys we have in this locker room. We know that Coach Spo puts so much trust and faith in each of us. Coach Pat too.
So our circle is small, but this circle has got so much love for each other. We always inspire confidence in everyone. We went out there and played basketball the right way, knowing we always had a chance.”
The Heat and Celtics play Game 2 on Friday.