Jimmy Butler, Miami Heat Stun Boston Celtics in Game 1 of 2023 Eastern Finals

• The Miami Heat defeated the Boston Celtics in Game 1 on Wednesday night
• Jimmy Butler wreaked havoc against the Celtics on both ends of the floor
• Fans took to social media to pay tribute to the 33-year-old Butler

‘Playoff Jimmy’ has done it again.

Butler added to his postseason lore on Wednesday night, scoring 35 points to lead the Miami Heat to a thrilling 123-116 win over the Boston Celtics in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

Butler took over in the second half to give the Heat a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.

Butler's second-half explosion 

He scored 20 of his 35 points in the final two quarters to help Miami erase a 13-point deficit.

Butler did it all in the comeback win, finishing with seven assists, six steals, and five rebounds, per ESPN.

Jaylen Brown scores 25, Celtics make 20 3s in Game 2 win vs Sixers

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It wasn’t just Butler who punished the Celtics’ defense in Game 1. Five other Miami players scored in double figures in the series opener, each one of them dropping at least 15 points.

Bam Adebayo scored 20 points, while Gabe Vincent, Max Strus, Caleb Martin, and Kyle Lowry each had 15.

They fueled Miami’s rally in the third quarter, with the Heat outscoring the Celtics 46-25 during that period.

Fans pay tribute to Butler

Fans took to social media to pay tribute to Butler, who recorded his fifth 30-point game in this year’s playoffs, per Fox Sports.

Fans lauded Butler for his work on both ends of the floor in Game 1. He became the first player in Heat history to record 35 points and six steals in a playoff game.

Fans posted Butler’s dagger against the Celtics, where he knocked down a 3-pointer with 1:02 left to push Miami’s lead to 10.

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Some fans said Butler is taking the Heat to the Finals.

Jokic delivers in Game 1

Sports Brief recently reported on the Nuggets’ win over the Lakers in Game 1.

Nikola Jokic dazzled in the series opener, finishing with 34 points, 21 rebounds, and 14 assists against the Lakers.

Jamal Murray also contributed, scoring 31 points, grabbing five rebounds, and dishing out five assists in the 132-126 victory.