Jimmy Butler, Miami Heat sends message to Boston Celtics in Game 1 of ECF
By Alex Mcewen
Jimmy Butler was magnificent for the Miami Heat in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Boston Celtics.
Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals served as a prime example of the age-old NBA Playoffs argument as to which is more beneficial, rest or rhythm? The Miami Heat had been resting for nearly one week after closing out the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 6, on May 12.
The Boston Celtics on the other hand were coming off an impressive Game 7 win over the reigning Champion Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday, giving them only one day of rest. As Game 1 of the Conference Finals wore on, it was clear the Celtics were tired from their Game 7 effort.
Earlier in the day, it became clear Game 1 would be an uphill battle for the C’s because both Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart and Al Horford would miss the contest. Miami’s Jimmy Butler took advantage of their missing presence.
Butler led the Heat to a 118-107 win by playing an all-around game, scoring 41 points, grabbing for steals, and swatting three blocked shots. It was only the eighth time someone has posted at least 40 points, three steals, and three blocks in a playoff game in the 3-point era.
Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown will step up
Boston’s duo of Tatum and Brown have been on a tear this postseason and you could say that former NBA guard Muggsy Bogues saw it coming. He recently discussed the duo in an interview touting Tatum and Brown when asked about who are the best players in the NBA at the moment:
"Bogues: I like Ja Morant, those kids that are now putting on a show like Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown. Those guys are becoming something special for the league and I love that elevation of their games and becoming almost, the face of the league."
The Heat have yet to lose a playoff game at home this season, with Smart and Horford’s status up in the air for Game 2, at this time it seems like that stat will hold.
Next. Golden State Warriors vs. Dallas Mavericks: 3 big questions and a prediction. dark
Can Butler put together a similar performance, how will the C’s shake up their game plan? These are all questions that will be answered tomorrow night.