Jimmy Butler led the Miami Heat to their first game in the NBA Eastern District Finals by defeating the Boston Celtics 118-107 with 41 points on Tuesday.

Butler contributed significantly to Miami’s strong comeback in the second half, especially in the third quarter, which he won 39–14 after the visitors extended their first half lead by eight points (62–54).

Butler had nine rebounds on five assists and four steals, while substitute Tyler Hero added 18 points on eight rebounds and Gabe Vincent added 17 points.

The Celtics, who were affected by the absence of Marcus Smart due to injury and Al Horford due to Covid-19 protocol, tried to rectify the situation in the last quarter, as he entered it by 17 points (76). -93), but to no avail, despite his decision of 31-25.

And Jason Tatum hit hard in the first half with 21 points, his highest total in the first two quarters of his professional playoff career, but he only hit two free throws in the third quarter before adding six points in the last quarter. finished the game as the Celtics’ leading scorer with 29 points, eight rebounds and six assists.

Jaylen Brown added a double-double to the underdog with 24 points and 10 rebounds, Robert Williams 18 points with 9 rebounds and replacement Payton Pritchard 18 points.

The second match will also take place in Miami at dawn on Friday.