May 21, 2023; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) passes against Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) during the first quarter in game three of the Eastern Conference Finals for the 2023 NBA playoffs at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
The Miami Heat continued their inspiring journey by smashing the Boston Celtics at home tonight. If winning back-to-back road games wasn’t enough, the Vice City sent a statement tonight. Blowing Boston off the ground, they controlled the game through means of dominance. Jimmy Butler and Co launched a barrage while the Celtics couldn’t make any noise.
The Heat now hold a 3-0 lead in the ECF, one win away from the NBA Finals. Several NBA players reacted to them thumping the Boston Celtics, who are now stuck in a place of doom.
NBA players react to Jimmy Butler and Heat’s takedown of The Celtics
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Miami started strong and never looked back. They seemed to improve each quarter while Jayson Tatum or anyone on the Celtics couldn’t generate any rhythm. Surprisingly, tonight wasn’t about Jimmy Butler. He scored 16 points – the Heat would end up winning by 26. Starting point guard Gabe Vincent destroyed Boston’s dreams of a road win, scoring 29 points and making 11 of his 14 shots.
But it was never about just attacking, the Heat suffocated Celtics’ star tandem of Tatum and Jaylen Brown. They combined to score 26 points, one of the lowest tallies of the season. No Celtic could score over 15 points. The Heat defense played their part in shutting down the offense, but Boston just wasn’t able to make any shots.
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Christian Wood saw the game and was thoroughly impressed with the Heat’s journey in the postseason so far. He tweeted, “What the Miami Heat have done this playoffs is tough, the underdogs”
Even former Celtics star Kendrick Perkins enjoyed watching the Miami Heat’s astonishing victory.
New York Knicks star Josh Hart seems to have spotted some great talent in the Heat roster. He believes “These Miami boys making themselves a lot of money this summer”
The battle had its theatrics led by Jimmy Butler. As the 33-year-old kept talking and extending the league, Houston Rockets rookie Jabari Smith Jr. loved his energy.
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The Heat have shocked the NBA fraternity to its core this season. Not many could have seen them not only come this far but annihilate one of the best teams of the season. They are now one step away from reaching another final with Jimmy Butler at the helm.
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Do you think it happens next game, or will the Celtics host a fightback? Let us know your views in the comments below.