Heat shock Celtics with ANOTHER wild comeback, as Miami ends game on 24-9 run take 2-0 series lead

Publish date: 2024-08-02

The Heat pulled off another memorable comeback Friday night after their stunning win in Game 1, outscoring Boston 24-9 in the final 6:37 of the game to win 111-105 and take a 2-0 series lead.

Just like Wednesday, Boston seemed to be in control – until they weren’t – as Jimmy Butler took control down the stretch and ended the game with a team-high 27 points.

Jayson Tatum finished the game with 34, including 15 points in the third quarter, but it wasn’t enough for Boston as they faltered late yet again. 

Miami went into halftime up four but Boston woke up after the break, outscoring their visitors 33-21 in the third period and eventually leading by as much as 12 in the fourth quarter.

It was a 96-87 Boston lead when Butler scored from close range, going forehead-to-forehead with Grant Williams before hitting the free throw to complete the three-point play.

Jimmy Butler led the Heat to another comeback in Boston, scoring 27 points for the Heat

Jimmy Butler led the Heat to another comeback in Boston, scoring 27 points for the Heat

Butler and Celtics forward Grant Williams got into it late in the game and had to be separated

Butler and Celtics forward Grant Williams got into it late in the game and had to be separated

Jayson Tatum scored 34 points to go along with 13 rebounds and eight assists in the loss

Jayson Tatum scored 34 points to go along with 13 rebounds and eight assists in the loss

Butler sneered at Williams’ attempt to get him off his game with words, and after Tatum missed from long distance, Butler drove to the basket to make it a four-point game.

After being called for an offensive foul on a three-point attempt, he later made a 17-footer to tie it 100-all, and then a short fadeaway to give Miami the lead.

And after Max Strus made one of two free throws, Bam Adebayo scored on a putback dunk to make it 105-100 with less than a minute to play.

Boston’s offense once again froze when it mattered most, while on the other side, Butler got massive contributions from his teammates.

Miami Heat forward Caleb Martin (16) celebrates with forward Kevin Love, center, and guard Kyle Lowry (7) after they defeated the Boston Celtics

Miami Heat forward Caleb Martin (16) celebrates with forward Kevin Love, center, and guard Kyle Lowry (7) after they defeated the Boston Celtics

Robert Williams III #44 of the Boston Celtics drives to the basket during Game 2

Robert Williams III #44 of the Boston Celtics drives to the basket during Game 2

Adebayo had 22 points, 17 rebounds and nine assists, Caleb Martin had 25 and sharpshooter Duncan Robinson added 15. 

For Boston, no player other than Tatum topped 20 points, as Jaylen Brown had 16 on just 7-23 shooting with one made field goal in the fourth quarter.

Robert Williams and Malcolm Brogdon added 13 each.

Boston now faces a virtual must-win game on the road on Sunday. If they lose, the Heat will have a chance to sweep and become the second eighth seed in NBA history to reach the finals. The 1999 Knicks were the last eighth seed to do so, losing to the San Antonio Spurs. 

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