Game 7: Butler's prediction, Boston's downfall, and the NBA Finals

Jun 14, 2023

May 29, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) celebrates with the MVP trophy after the Heat defeated the Boston Celtics in game seven of the Eastern Conference Finals for the 2023 NBA playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

The Miami Heat are heading to the NBA Finals after a decisive 103-84 win against the Boston Celtics in Game 7 of what was a series for the ages.

A rematch of last year's Eastern Conference Finals, this matchup saw a different result in 2022. But after Boston bested Miami in seven, Jimmy Butler's prophecy was spoken. "We’re gonna be back in the same situation," Butler said then. "And we’re gonna get it done."

A year later, his words materialized as his team–after going up 3-0 to begin–seemingly found that the safety was on for the past three games, so they flipped it off and pulled the trigger on the series. Miami brushed off the drama from the coin toss that was Game 6. The Heat thought their fate was sealed until Derrick White's heroics came to the rescue at the last millisecond.

But Butler and head coach Erik Spoelstra did not miss a beat. They knew they were not going to lose the clincher.

"We’re going to get the same test until we pass it," Butler said on Saturday. "I know we’re capable of it."

Despite the heartbreak at the Buzzer, Miami's attitude did not waver. They embraced the opportunity and privilege of playing a Game 7.

"This is what you dream about," Spoelstra stated. "You spend all your time training in the summer for moments like these. They’re not for everybody, but neither are we."

Then came Monday night, with the nation's eyes glued to Game 7. The end for Boston came in the first minute when Jayson Tatum tweaked his ankle on a bad landing during the first possession. With their star player compromised within seconds, the Celtics never got to set a tone through the game. The first quarter ended as Boston's lowest-scoring period with 15 points and 0/10 shooting from three. Miami was up seven, but they stomped on the gas before putting it on cruise control.

Although it was not the smoothest ride for both sides, these teams made it as ugly as possible for each other. It was not the most pleasing game offensively, but the defenses got busy. Miami shot 48.8% from the field. Meanwhile, Boston shot a tear-jerking 39%. Game 7 felt like round 15 of a boxing slugfest in the 1970s. It was not just about who was willing to win but who was refusing to lose. We’re talking about stars hobbling on the court while role players suited up in masks and capes.

Haywood coming up big with the steal & score! pic.twitter.com/ksBWrDRc5L

— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) May 30, 2023

Butler, who was named the Eastern Conference Finals MVP, tallied 28 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and three steals to lead the way for the Heat. However, this win would not have been possible without Caleb Martin's breakthrough performance. The undrafted forward had 26 points and ten rebounds while shooting 4/6 from three.

With Tatum in pain, Jaylen Brown led the way for Boston with 19 points, eight rebounds, and five assists. On the flip side; his eight turnovers spelled bad news for his team. White's work ethic was once again evident with 18 points. Unfortunately, while his effort has been contagious in the past three games, his teammates appeared immune to it on Monday.

After forcing Game 7 from being down three-love, fans started believing the Celtics could be the first to come back from that deficit. In the end, they fall short of history. The Heat joins the 1999 New York Knicks as the only eighth-seeded teams to reach the NBA Finals. They now have the opportunity to be the first to win the title from that position. On the other hand, the Celtics join 150 other teams who failed to overcome a 3-0 hole.

Everybody in this locker room believed #HEATCulture pic.twitter.com/fCifh1ArA3

— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) May 30, 2023

Should the Heat bring the parade to South Flordia this summer, it would be the perfect way to cap such an incredible run. From losing their first Play-In game, overcoming The Greek Freak, and scrapping with New York to willing their way past this tight series with Boston.

But they can not be passive. They need all hands on deck, from Spoelstra, the stars, the cast of undrafted players who paddled their way here, all the way to the end of the bench, and the water boy. They can not afford to keep making mistakes, as Nikola Jokic and company will punish them for being absent-minded and not executing.

Boston's reevaluation phase now begins. Meanwhile, Miami has a well-rested Denver Nuggets team waiting for them at the top of the mountain. The NBA Finals start on Thursday, June 1st, at 8:30 PM ET.