Finals Bound: Celtics Win the East

05/31/2022

By: Jeff Yoder

Celtics Use Stellar Defense to Top Heat in Game 7 (100-96) & Return to NBA Finals

Boston is heading back to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2010. The Celtics staved off a late comeback from the Heat to survive Game 7 on the road in Miami. The Heat scored nine unanswered points in the final minutes to trim an 11-point cushion to a two-point deficit in the final seconds. With the scoreline reading 98-96 in favor of Boston, Jimmy Butler took a 3 that fell short instead of opting to go for two. A pair of free throws from Marcus Smart put the game out of reach, and the Celtics hung on to capture the East in a thrilling Game 7 finale.

 

Boston Backcourt Does It Again

The Celtics trio of Jayson Tatum (26), Jaylen Brown (24) and Marcus Smart (24) combined for 74 points of Boston’s 100 points. Tatum was stellar with 10 rebounds, six assists, two blocks and a steal. Their defensive prowess was shown again as they held Miami to just 20 percent shooting from 3-point land.

 

Watch: Celtics Top Heat in Game 7 Thriller (100-96)

 

It’s Celtics-Warriors for the NBA crown, and the Dubs have home-court advantage. Game 1 of the Finals tips off on Thursday.

 

NBA Finals Schedule

Gm 1: Celtics at Warriors (Thurs. 9:00 pm ET)

Additional Storylines

Yahoo! Sports: Warriors Open Up as -160 Betting Favorites in NBA Finals

CBS Sports: Celtics Beat Heat With Picture-Perfect Defense, But Did That Prep Them for Their Next Test?

 

Photo: Eric Espada / Getty Images