BOSTON — The Miami Heat won’t go genty into that good night.
Ravaged by injuries, and counted out by oddsmakers as 8.5-point underdogs on the road at the TD Garden in Boston, the Heat conquered improbable odds by scoring a gritty 111-103 Game 6 victory over the Celtics.
And the Butler did it.
After a strong first quarter where the Heat’s emotional leader nicknamed “Buckets” scored 14 points, Butler went on to carve one of the greatest playoffs performances in franchise history, logging 47 points, 9 rebounds, 8 assists, 4 steals, and one block.
Butler was nearly unstoppable, hitting 16 of 29 field goals including 4-of-8 from long distance. He also swished all 11 of his free throws.
“Butler’s will will not allow us tolose tonight,” an awed Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said of the six-time All-Star who has been dealing with an inflamed right knee.
Similarly injured and slowed down by a hamstring injurt, Kyle Lowry exploded for 18 points while grabbing 4 rebounds and dishing 10 assists.
The Heat shot 42 percent from three overall, shooting 15-of-35 while the Celtics managed just 11 for 33.
Jayson Tatum paced Boston with 30 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block. He also shot 57 percent from three.
Jaylen Brown had a good first half with 18 points but finished the game with only 20 points, coupled with 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals, scoring only 2 points in the second half and missing 2 important free throws in the fourth.
Derrick White had the game of his life with 22 points, 3 rebounds, and 5 assists. His clutch 3 pointer gave the Celtics the lead with 4 minutes left in the game.
The effort, however,went for naught as the Celtics were mired with 17 turnovers.
Game 7 will be played Sunday night (Monday morning Philippine time) at the FTX Arena in Miami.
