Kyle Lowry was polite and listened while Jimmy Butler took credit for Miami's Game 6 win. However, his All-Star colleague took his humility too far when he called his 47-point, elimination-avoiding performance "decent."
Lowry said, "It's (expletive), incredible," Lowry replied. He apologized for his language to the television cameras at the back of the room. It's amazing to have a man like him beside me. He's one of my favorite players.
Butler scored 47 points, a playoff record and one of the most impressive performances by a player facing exclusion in NBA history. The Heat won the Eastern Conference Finals by defeating the Boston Celtics 111 to103 on Friday night.
LeBron James scored 45 in Game 6 in Boston to win the first of his back-to-back NBA championships. Butler scored 17 in the fourth quarter, to surpass him and send the series back home to Miami.
The Heat will advance to the NBA Finals with a win at home.
"This is how it should have been, with these teams. "It should have been seven games," Miami coach Erik Spoelstra stated. "I'm just thrilled that our team gets the chance to compete in Game 7 in front our home crowd."
The winner of Game 7 Sunday will be advancing to the NBA Finals against Golden State. Golden State eliminated the Dallas Mavericks in five straight games on Thursday night. Draymond Green, the Warriors' forward, said that he was expecting to play for the Celtics.
The series' most intense back-and-forth was witnessed when Boston led 97-94 on Derrick White’s 3-pointer with less than five minutes left -- the first time in series history that the lead changed hands during the fourth quarter. Lowry responded with a 3, and Miami added two free throws to make it 11 of 13 points.
Lowry ended the game with 18 points and 10 assists. He was then fouled out with 2:28 left. Butler made 16 out of 29 shots, including 4 of 8 3-point range shots and all 11 free throws.
White stated that White "came out of the jump and kinda put his imprint upon the game." White said, "That's who he has been all his life. He's always attacked and done what he can to help his team win." It was inevitable, and we have to do better in Game 7.
Jayson Tatum scored 30 points for Boston and had nine rebounds. White, who came off the bench, scored 11 of his 22 points during the fourth quarter. The Celtics will be trying to reach the Finals for the first-time since 2010, two years since the New Big Three of Paul Pierce, Jayson Tatum and Ray Allen won the 17th NBA title. This record has been broken by the Lakers.
Tatum stated, "It's not a secret: It is Game 7, trip to NBA Finals, and a lot at stake." "We understand what's at stake. This is what it means for everyone.
Jaylen Brown scored 20 for Boston. Lowry fouled out and Brown missed a pair free throws. The game was tied at 99. Brown fouled himself after being challenged on a missed dunk that left 13 seconds remaining and with the Celtics trailing by four.
AVOID ELIMINATION
Butler's 47 points were seventh most in NBA history by a player who was facing elimination.
Elgin Baylor scored 61 against Boston during Game 5 in the 1962 finals. Wilt Chamberlain reached 50 twice, Sleepy Floyd scored 50 against the Lakers (1987), and Jamal Murray scored 50 against Utah (2020).
It was also the third most to prevent elimination against the Celtics. Chamberlain scored 50 points in Game 5 in the East finals of 1960, along with Baylor.
James' 45 against Boston in Game 6 set the stage for Game 7 in Miami.
The Heat hope Butler's performance will be the same.
Spoelstra stated, "I get it. People can draw the comparisons between them." It's a different time. This is a new team. "I want my guys to embrace this moment."
IN AND OUT
Tyler Herro, Miami's guard, missed his third consecutive game due to a sore groin. This cost the team their No. 2 scorer. Kyle Lowry (hamstring), Max Strus(hamstring), and P.J. Tucker (knee), had been listed as in question, but were included in the starting lineup.
Marcus Smart of Boston (sprained right leg) and Robert Williams III of Boston (sore knee), both tested their injuries before the game and were included in the lineup.
