The Miami Heat took Game 7 of the Eastern Conference finals, ending a potential rebound by the Boston Celtics. With that victory, Miami advances to the NBA Finals and has a chance to claim the championship after a 10-year wait.

Butler Key To Heat Success

Boston was a big favorite in Game 1 because it started at home, and the first surprise came with Miami’s win at the start of the series at the hands of an inspired Jimmy Butler. In Game 2, also played at TD Garden, the Heat delivered the big blow after trailing the entire game with another outstanding comeback from Butler. The Celtics finally found their rhythm in Game 4, but couldn’t maintain it until the end.

Butler, MVP of the Eastern Conference finals, once again showed his scoring skills by recording a career-high 28 points, including nine double-doubles, three triples and 1-2 free throws. In addition to scoring, he also grabbed seven rebounds, dished out six assists and recorded three steals. On the other hand, Caleb Martin was also instrumental in his team’s victory with 26 points, nine rebounds and three assists to his name.

Jaylen Brown dominated the basketball court for the Heat with 19 points, eight rebounds and five assists in 43 minutes. Meanwhile, Miami showed the poise and calm they lacked at Kaseya Center. The team showed cohesive coordination with a 50% success rate, nailing 14 of 28 three-point shots. Their exceptional gameplay allowed them to maintain full control throughout the match.

Despite Boston’s struggles from beyond the arc (9 of 42 on three-pointers), the team managed to maintain a ten-point lead over its opponent at the end of the third quarter (66-76). However, their hopes of a comeback were dashed with the start of the final period, during which the Heat set up a 7-0 sprint that secured their victory.

Let The Battle Begin

The NBA Finals will begin on Thursday, June 1 and could continue through June 18, the day Game 7 is scheduled to take place. If the Heat and Nuggets play like the Heat and Celtics did, this could be a long series.

Heat center Bam Adebayo rejoiced at his team’s advance to the NBA Finals on Monday. His mind was consumed with thoughts about the upcoming game against Serbian star Nikola Jokic, the MVP of the Western Conference finals he knows he must contain.

The tally of Jokic, a two-time NBA MVP, sees a tally of 105 career three-pointers with a score of eight in this current playoff season. He excels as a major player for the Nuggets, the only team he’s known since entering the NBA 13 years ago.

The Nuggets clinched a spot in the Finals after their strong 4-0 record against the Lakers. This was a historic event, as they were competing for their first championship ring. Meanwhile, the Heat, under the leadership of head coach Erik Spoelstra, have flourished despite never being favorites: for Adebayo, this is a nod to the team’s ability.