In the wake of Jimmy Butler, author of 35 points, and thanks to a third quarter of fire, the Miami Heat signed a first victory in the series, against the Celtics who had beaten them last season at the same stage of the playoffs.

The reunion between two teams that had already crossed at the same stage of the playoffs in 2022, but also in 2021 where this time Miami had taken over in the bubble of Orlando, has therefore turned for the moment in favor of the Floridians.

The Celtics seemed to be off to a good start in Game 1: after winning the first two quarters, they had a nine-point lead at the halfway point (56-47).

The Heat then shifted gears: the players coached by Erik Spoelstra won everything in the third quarter, which they won 46-25.

The Celtics tried to react late in the game, but the Heat gritted their teeth on defense.

In that game, Butler, in addition to his 35 points, had seven assists and six steals, and five rebounds.

Bam Adebayo assisted him with 20 points and eight rebounds. Max Strus, Gabe Vincent, Caleb Martin and Kyle Lowry added 15 points each.

Miami more skillful

Jayson Tatum (l) and Malcolm Brogdon of the Boston Celtics during Game 1 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals against the Miami Heat on May 17, 2023 at TD Garden in Boston © Adam Glanzman/GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP

"Look at the group of players we have," Butler said after a strong, balanced squad won. "So many guys participate in so many different ways!"

Jayson Tatum, the Celtics gunner, who scored 51 points in Game 7 of his team's semifinal series against the Philadelphia 76ers, was only able to score 30 this time. And he was also guilty of two loose balls late in the game, as Boston managed to come back to Miami who tightened the bolts.

To win at TD Garden, Miami also showed superior skill to its opponent, including 16 of its 31 three-point shots (51.6% success), compared to only ten of 39 for the Celtics (34.5%).

"We did our job tonight, but another game awaits us on Friday," said Butler, who does not ignite while Game 2 already awaits them Friday, also at TD Garden in Boston.

The first team with four wins in this series will advance to the grand final, where they will meet either the Los Angeles Lakers or the Denver Nuggets, who lead 1 win to zero in the Western Conference finals.

Miami Heat's Bam Adebayo faces Boston Celtics' Jayson Tatum in Game 1 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals on May 17, 2023 at TD Garden in Boston © Adam Glanzman/GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP

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