‘Monster’: Jimmy Butler masterclass forces Game 7 in Eastern Conference Finals

Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler has stunned the Boston Celtics, dropping a playoff career-high 47 points to force a Game 7.

BOSTON, MA - MAY 27: Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat and Aaron Nesmith #26 of the Boston Celtics look on during Game 6 of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Finals on May 27, 2022 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)

Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler has stunned the Boston Celtics at TD Garden, dropping a playoff career-high 47 points to force a seventh game in the Eastern Conference Finals.

The 32-year-old single-handedly dominated Game 6 on Saturday AEST, contributing nine rebounds, four steals and eight assists in Miami’s 111-103 victory over the Celtics.

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Butler got off to a flyer in Boston, scoring or assisting 24 of Miami’s 29 points in the first quarter, ultimately becoming the first Heat player in history with multiple 45-point playoff games.

Only the legendary LeBron James has scored more points in a playoff game in Heat history.

The eight-point victory means the series will go to a Game 7, which will take place in Miami on Monday AEST.

JIMMY BUTLER AGAIN.

45 POINTS.

HEAT BY 6 WITH 39.5 LEFT. pic.twitter.com/bc3VqPYNyd

— NBA (@NBA) May 28, 2022

JIMMY BUTLER YOU ARE A MONSTER!!!!!

— O’Shea Jack(Nichol)son (@OsheaJacksonJr) May 28, 2022

never thought we'd see a more heroic Jimmy Butler performance than that finals game in the bubble but this will be up there if the Heat hold on to win. undoubtedly.

— Jimmy Wobler (@WorldWideWob) May 28, 2022

What Jimmy Butler is doing tonight is simply heroic....Totally banged up the entire series, facing elimination tonight and simply dominating with his will.
Unreal.

— steakshapiro (@steakshapiro) May 28, 2022

Jimmy Butler with an absolute masterclass. This has been so impressive.

— Ky Carlin (@Ky_Carlin) May 28, 2022

“We know what we’re capable of. We get to take it back to the crib and win game seven,” Butler said.

“We knew we were going to come in here and get one. We know we’re going to win this next one too.”

The winner of Game 7 will face the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals that begin next Friday in San Francisco.

Butler hit 16-of-29 shots from the floor, 4-of-8 from 3-point range, and all 11 of his free throws in 46 minutes while contributing nine rebounds, eight assists, four steals and a blocked shot.

“Jimmy just brought his competitive will tonight,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said.

“And it was a will that would not let us lose.”

Jimmy Butler was unstoppable. (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)

“My team, they’ve got so much belief in me,” Butler said.

“My coaches got so much belief in me,” Butler said.

“They give me that confidence to just go out there and play basketball the right way and just hoop.”

Butler battled through a sore right knee to produce his fourth 40-point game of the playoffs and thanked a message from former Miami star guard Dwyane Wade for inspiring him.

“He was telling me I could do this,” Butler said.

“Knee a little banged up but nobody cares. Go out there and continue to build your legacy and it meant the world to me.”

The Heat are seeking a second trip to the NBA Finals in three seasons, having lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020. Miami last captured the NBA crown in 2013.

The Celtics seek their first trip to the NBA Finals since losing the 2010 title to the Los Angeles Lakers. The Celtics haven’t won the NBA title since 2008.

Jayson Tatum led Boston with 30 points while Derrick White had 22 off the bench and Jaylen Brown added 20.

Kyle Lowry added 18 points and 10 assists for Miami.

Miami guard Tyler Herro, the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year, missed a third straight game with a groin injury.

With AFP

Originally published as ‘Monster’: Jimmy Butler masterclass forces Game 7 in Eastern Conference Finals