Boston Celtics qualify for NBA finals after toppling Miami Heat in Game 7

The Boston Celtics have qualified for the NBA finals for the first time in 12 years after defeating the Miami Heat in Game 7.

Derrick White of the Boston Celtics. Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images

Jimmy Butler couldn’t save the Miami Heat this time.

The Boston Celtics have qualified for the NBA finals for the first time in 12 years after defeating the Heat in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Monday.

Miami fans were left stunned as the Celtics raced to an early lead at FTX Arena, going ahead 32-17 at quarter-time.

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Boston managed to reduce the deficit in the second term, with Game 6 hero Butler once again going berserk with 24 points in the first half.

There were some nervy moments in the fourth quarter when the Heat went on an 11-point run to find themselves trailing by just two points with 50 seconds on the clock.

Butler attempted a Hail Mary three-pointer to take the lead with less than 25 seconds remaining, but his off-balance shot fell short.

MAX STRUS DRAINS A HUGE 3

WIN or GO HOME Game 7 on ESPN pic.twitter.com/cl0Z8QMOCT

— NBA (@NBA) May 30, 2022

My goooooodnessssss 🤯

This series. 🔥 #NBAPlayoffs#Game7

— Trent Copeland (@copes9) May 30, 2022

Congrats to the Boston Celtics, who have been the best team in the league since mid-January. Congrats to the Miami Heat on a *great* season, and on pushing that team to the absolute limit despite injuries -- and damn near stealing that Game 7. WOW.

— Zach Lowe (@ZachLowe_NBA) May 30, 2022

The Celtics kept their composure to claim a 100-96 victory and book their spot in the NBA Finals against Golden State.

Butler finished with a team-high 35 points in 48 minutes, while Jason Tatum, who was later named the Eastern Conference Finals MVP, top-scored for Boston with 26 points along with 10 rebounds.

The Celtics will face the Warriors in the NBA Finals, which open in San Francisco on Friday.

Jimmy Butler of the Miami Heat is defended by Marcus Smart of the Boston Celtics. Andy Lyons/Getty Images/AFP