The NBA Eastern Conference Finals are going to a Game 7, and that’s a bit of a surprise considering how things looked entering Game 6.
The Boston Celtics beat the Miami Heat by 20 points in Game 4 in Boston, and then by 13 points in Game 5 in Miami. With the chance to close out the series in Game 6 at home, oddsmakers had the Celtics as 8.5-point favorites.
But the Heat looked like a very different team from the get-go in Game 6, led by their best player, Jimmy Butler.
Miami took down Boston 111-103 on Friday night in Game 6.
The Heat go into Boston and upset the Celtics to send the Eastern Conference Finals to a Game 7! 🏀🔥 pic.twitter.com/w7aNJovTlN
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) May 28, 2022
After combining for 27 points over Games 3, 4, and 5, Butler went off for 47 points in Game 6.
Jimmy Buckets shot 16-of-29 from the field (4-of-8 on threes) and was a perfect 11-of-11 at the charity stripe. He also pulled down nine rebounds, dished out eight assists, swiped four steals, and played a game-high 46 minutes. It was a truly remarkable performance from the six-time All-Star.
Jimmy Butler is a beast! 🏀💪 pic.twitter.com/gsAdX2ZARA
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) May 28, 2022
JIMMY. GETS. BUCKETS. 45 points. 🏀🔥 pic.twitter.com/D36mHfznKe
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) May 28, 2022
And not only did the Heat stay alive; they sent the series back to Miami. Game 7 will be on Sunday night at FTX Arena.
However, oddsmakers currently give Boston a slight edge, with the Celtics opening as 2.5-point favorites in Game 7.
The winner of Game 7 will face the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals. And it appears that Golden State’s Draymond Green motivated the Heat with his comments ahead of Game 6.
"Tell Draymond thank you."
Heat took Dray's words personally 🔥 pic.twitter.com/afirJuO6g2
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 28, 2022
Here’s a look at how the NBA world has reacted to Butler’s performance and the Heat’s Game 6 win:
How do you like them apples? #WINNING pic.twitter.com/TwXuYlwcno
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) May 28, 2022
Jimmy Butler tonight:
47 PTS (career playoff high)
9 REB
8 AST
4 STL
16-29 FG
4-8 3P
in 46 MINSOnly LeBron has scored more in Heat playoff history. pic.twitter.com/QlmUHQdmAj
— StatMuse (@statmuse) May 28, 2022
The Heat got the Jimmy Butler they needed. What a performance pic.twitter.com/e3GmBTXMte
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) May 28, 2022
Jimmy Butler is the first player in Heat history with multiple 45-point playoff games. pic.twitter.com/Oc6UmGGqOB
— StatMuse (@statmuse) May 28, 2022
The Heat closed as 8.5-point underdogs @CaesarsSports, the 5th time this season Miami was an underdog of 8+ points.
They're 4-1 in those 5 games and have covered the spread in all 5. pic.twitter.com/YE4TWLdEWy
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) May 28, 2022
2012 ECF Game 6: @MiamiHEAT wins in Boston to force Game 7 at home. @KingJames: 45 points, 15 rebounds, 5 assists.
2022 ECF Game 6: @MiamiHEAT wins in Boston to force Game 7 at home. @JimmyButler: 47 points, 9 rebounds, 8 assists. pic.twitter.com/MbaAynlQDl
— NBA (@NBA) May 28, 2022
The National Media counted out and shat on the Heat leading into this game. Every single one of them congratulated the Celtics on their championship before they won anything. The @MiamiHEAT shut down all the haters and silenced everyone as they do again and again. 🔥🔥
— Josh Gad (@joshgad) May 28, 2022
