Jimmy Butler snuck in front of the Celtics’ defensive rotation after Tyler Herro lined up Kristaps Porziu0146u0123is in the left corner. Porziu0146u0123is tried to recover to grab a defensive rebound following a missed Kevin Love three. Butler grabbed it, drew contact from Porziu0146u0123is and fouled him out with three minutes remaining. Butler hit free throws to pull the Heat within five points.
Porziu0146u0123is struggled to stay on the floor against Bam Adebayo’s post-ups and face-ups, while Miami effectively forced fouls on the big man by creating mismatches with Herro and Butler on-ball. The Celtics tried to stash Porziu0146u0123is on Love, and Joe Mazzulla’s decision to keep Porziu0146u0123is in the game with two early fouls away from actions by inserting Al Horford at the five paid off in the eventual win.