Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler had all the smoke for Boston Celtics players Al Horford and Grant Williams on Sunday night as they dominated Game 3, 128-102.
Butler was on fire again and had Williams’ business in the second quarter. Butler drove to Williams’ rim and popped a faded shot into the basket. While his back was turned, he pointed directly at Williams, who had nothing to say other than let out a huge, frustrated sigh.
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Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler, #22, talks with Boston Celtics forward Grant Williams, #12, during the second half of Game 3 of the NBA Basketball Playoff Eastern Conference Finals, on Sunday, May 21, 2023, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
However, Butler didn’t finish as he targeted Horford next.
Butler put the Heat up by 23 points and mirrored Horford from Game 1, when he dropped to one knee and made a «T» shape with his hands to indicate the other team needed a timeout.
He finished with 16 points, eight rebounds, six assists and two steals. He was 5-for-13 from the field.
The Heat are one win away from an NBA Finals appearance.
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Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler, #22, looks for a pass during the first half of Game 3 of the NBA Basketball Playoff Eastern Conference Finals against the Boston Celtics, Sunday, May 21, 2023, in Miami. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
«That was a solid, mature, professional approach,» Miami head coach Erik Spoelstra said. «There’s a lot of stuff piling up here and we’re getting close, but we still have to get this over with.»
Gabe Vincent led Miami with 29 points and had three assists. Duncan Robinson added 22 points and four assists. He was 5-for-7 from 3-point range.
Boston’s Joe Mazzulla regretted his training and preparation.
«I just didn’t have them ready to play,» he said. «Whatever it is, whether it’s the starting lineup or an adjustment, I have to put them in a better place, ready to play. That’s up to me.»
Boston Celtics guard Derrick White, #9, and forward Grant Williams, #12, defend Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler, #22, during the first half of Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals of the NBA basketball playoffs, on Sunday, May 21, 2023. in Miami. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
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Game 4 is scheduled for Tuesday night.
Associated Press contributed to this report.