The 8th seed’s rebellion continues. ‘Away team’ Miami Heat stole victory from enemy territory. ‘Playoff Jimmy’ Jimmy Butler silenced the home fans with 35 points and 6 steals.
Miami won 123-116 in the first leg of the NBA Playoffs (PO) Eastern Conference Finals (4 wins from 7 matches) held at TD Garden in Boston on the 18th (Korean time). Butler took flight once again. He shone the most with 35 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists and 6 steals. Then, Max Strauss, Caleb Martin, and Gabe Vincent, who were from ‘Undraft’, contributed to the victory by scoring 15 points each. On the other hand, Boston’s ‘Ace’ Jayson Tatum scored 30 points, but could not prevent the team from losing. Tatum bowed his head with 0 field goals and 3 turnovers in the 4th quarter, the place of victory.
Until the second quarter, the home team, Boston, had the advantage. 안전놀이터
Boston’s ‘one-two punch’ Tatum (18 points) and Jaylen Brown (11 points) combined for 29 points, and sixth man Malcolm Brogdon also scored 12 points. Boston led 66-57 at the end of the second quarter.
Miami, who was outnumbered, started counterattacking in the third quarter. In particular, Struss broke down Boston’s outer defense by making 3 out of 4 3-pointers. Following this, Miami succeeded in 4 steals with a strong defense. Boston seldom succeeded in attacking, allowing three-point shots in a row. As a result, Miami scored 46 points in the third quarter alone. At the end of the third quarter, Miami led Boston by 12 points.
The home team counterattacked in the fourth quarter. In particular, with Brown-Brogdon at the forefront, they continued to pursue. However, ‘Ace’ Tatum was silent, recording 0 field goals and 3 turnovers. On the other hand, Miami Butler stole the victory from the enemy by digesting all 12 minutes of the 4th quarter, adding 8 points, 2 assists and 3 steals.
Butler, who played a big role in the ball and defense, finished with 35 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists and 6 steals in 43 minutes and 10 seconds. His record of 35 points and 6 steals was the first in Miami club PO history.