With their backs to the wall and in a hostile TD Garden, the Miami Heat did not let themselves be defeated, he who forced a seventh game in the Eastern Conference Finals on Friday by defeating the Boston Celtics 111 to 103.
The visitors were in control for the vast majority of the game, even securing a 12-point lead at one point in the third quarter. After a short slump in the last quarter, which allowed the crowd favorites to come back and even tie, they quickly regained control, to avoid elimination.
A Herculean effort from Jimmy Butler helped the Heat’s cause. The star player registered 47 points, in addition to adding nine rebounds and eight assists. He was just as good defensively, stealing four balls in addition to blocking an opposing shot.
Former Toronto Raptors Kyle Lowry backed him up with 18 points and 10 assists. However, he left the game at the end of the fourth quarter, when he received his sixth personal foul.
On the side of the Celtics, Jayson Tatum still led his team offensively, with 30 points, but in vain.
The two teams will compete for the honors of this series on Sunday. A place in the final, to face the Golden State Warriors, will be at stake.
