Jimmy Butler masterpiece takes Game 1 over the Boston Celtics

This was a tale of two halves as Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat absolutely blitzed the Boston Celtics in the third quarter on their way to a 118-107 victory in Game 1 to take a 1-0 series lead.

Jimmy was an absolute monster all game long as he finished with 41 points on 12-of-19 shooting and a ridiculous 17-of-18 from the free throw line to go with nine rebounds, five assists, three blocks and four steals. He is the first player in NBA playoff history to hit those numbers since steals and blocks were first recorded in 1974. Just a dominant game all around, but things didn’t really get started till the second half. Butler scored 27 of his 41 points there and the Heat got the third quarter started on a 22-2 run. They had the best third quarter point differential in the playoffs heading into this game and you can certainly see why. The intensity just went up another notch that the Celtics just weren’t ready for and Butler was the at the forefront of it. He had back to back possessions in the third quarter where he stole the ball and scored on the other end.

I do need to mention that there were a few key players missing on both sides for this contest. Boston was without DPOY Marcus Smart and big man Al Horford while Miami was once again without veteran point guard Kyle Lowry. That means there were going to be big minutes for Gabe Vincent and he answered the call providing stout defense, solid playmaking and shotmaking. He didn’t shy away from one of the biggest moments of his career and made big play after big play. It was practically a two man game between Jimmy and Gabe in the final minutes to put this game away. I just can’t get enough of these guys who ESPN analyst know nothing about showing up big.

While the end result was obviously in the Heat’s favor, things didn’t look great in the first half. Jayson Tatum was getting whatever he wanted against Miami’s physical defense and was making some tough baskets on top of that. He had 21 points on efficient shooting to go with four rebounds, five assists and multiple defensive efforts to help the Celtics take an eight point lead into halftime. It felt like there was no wrong Tatum could do and even with Jaylen Brown struggling for most of the game, they were able to get contributions from others. Payton Pritchard and Robert Williams we’re huge boosts for Boston. Pritchards scrappiness on defense and floor spacing were an issue and Williams was just dominating the paint and getting practically whatever he wanted inside. As expected though, Erik Spoelstra and the Heat coaching staff made the necessary adjustments at halftime and completely shut the Celtics offense down.

Tatum had just eight points in the second half and was a non-factor down the stretch. If it wasn‘t for a big fourth quarter from Brown, who finished with 24 points and 10 rebounds, the game would have been over much earlier. Need to credit the Heat defense for making the adjustments, but also PJ Tucker taking the assignment of Tatum in the third quarter and making everything difficult for him. Tuckers versatility on the defensive side cannot be understated and the Bucks were foolish to allow him to leave in free agency last summer.

The start of this game was a bit shaky for Bam Adebayo and he never seemed to get into a rhythm offensively, but his defense was as spectacular as ever. His activity and quickness on the perimeter allow him to guard one through five. He was everywhere tonight and while his basic stats aren’t eye popping, with 10 points, four rebounds, one assist, he did have three crucial blocks and made winning plays. Same could be said for Tyler Herro, who made his impact felt right away in the first half as he lead the team in points at the half with 15 on 7-of-13 shooting, four rebounds and three assists.Along with Jimmy, Tyler was able to create enough offense to keep the team within striking distance.

All in all, this was a great game from start to finish. Both teams had their moments to shine and the home team took care of business. I was extremely impressed with the fortitude of this Heat team to keep pushing through and survive a strong effort from Tatum and the Celtics in the first half. They regrouped and dominated the second half. Butler continues to prove that he should be in the superstar conversation and the Heat get off to a strong start in this best of seven series.

Next, they are right back at it at the FTX Arena on Thursday night at 8:30. You know Ime Udoka is going to make adjustments going into Game 2 and the health of Smart, Horford and Lowry will play a big role. Just need to come out with the same mentality and protect home court. See you then!