If it wasn’t already evident by their remarkable run through the Eastern Conference Playoffs, the Miami Heat showed why this Eastern Conference Finals matchup will be no cakewalk for the second-seeded Boston Celtics. Written off as an underachieving eight-seed — and even losing their first play-in game — the Heat improved their record to 9-3 this postseason with a 123-116 win in Game 1. The Celtics have been put on notice: this is not a series they can afford to take lightly.
Jayson Tatum led the way with 30 points, but found himself outdueled by perhaps the top star of the playoffs to this point, Jimmy Butler, who scored 35 points, dished seven assists and swiped six steals.