Butler Torches Celtics For 35 As Heat Steal Game

Jimmy Butler shared the credit with his team-mates after leading the Miami Heat to another win in the NBA play-offs.

The 33-year-old has tended to overperform in the post-season, earning himself the nickname ‘play-off Jimmy’.

BOSTON (AP) The Miami Heat were in need of a calming presence following a sluggish start to their latest conference finals showdown with the Boston Celtics.

Jimmy Butler provided that and a lot more.

Butler scored 35 points, including 20 after halftime, and the Heat rallied in the second half to beat the Celtics 123-116 in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals on Wednesday night.

He said his teammates have given him confidence.

“I’m playing at an incredible level because they are allowing me to do so,” Butler said. “They are not putting a limit on my game. They are trusting me with the ball, on the defensive end. I think that’s what any basketball player wants.”

And Butler again shone as the Heat won 123-116 at the Boston Celtics in game one of the Eastern Conference finals.

“I’m playing at an incredible level because they are allowing me to do so and not putting a limit on my game,” said Butler, who scored 35 points.

“They are trusting me with the ball and on the defensive end, and I think that’s what any basketball player wants.

“What anyone wants in life is to be wanted, to be appreciated and just let you go out there and rock.”

Butler also finished with seven assists, six steals and five rebounds for Miami, who have become the first side seeded eighth to reach the conference finals since 1999.

The Heat trailed Boston, the second seed, by 13 points late in the second quarter and 66-57 at half-time.

But they outscored the hosts 46-25 in the third quarter to take a 12-point advantage, with Bam Adebayo adding 20 points.

Jayson Tatum had 30 points and seven rebounds for the Celtics, while Jaylen Brown added 22 points, nine rebounds and five assists.

Game two of the best-of-seven series is on Friday in Boston.

TIP-INS

Heat: Miami’s previous high in the playoffs was 43 points in a half against Charlotte in 2016. … Lowry hit 5 of his first 6 shots, scoring 13 points in his first nine minutes of action. … Butler (12) and Adebayo (6) combined for 18 of Miami’s 28 points in the first quarter. It marked the seventh time Butler has reached double figures in the first period this postseason.

Celtics: Marcus Smart finished with 13 points and 11 assists. … Led 66-57 at halftime. With the score tied at 47, Boston outscored Miami 19-10 over the final 5:26 of the half. … Brown wore his black protective mask after going without it for the final two games of their semifinals matchup with the 76ers. He fractured a facial bone late in the regular season. … New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick was in attendance.