NBA

• Heat 123, Celtics 116
  • Jimmy Butler is something else. Jayson Tatum is a very good player and finished third on my MVP ballot, but it’s time to question whether Butler would be my preferred choice if trying to win a playoff series. The 33-year-old Butler was excellent last night, tallying 35 points, five rebounds, seven assists, and six steals. The Celtics should probably still be favored to win this series, but it’s clear that the Heat won’t go away easily, as evidenced by the team’s 46-point third quarter.
  • The Celtics shouldn’t be too worried following this loss. The team did fine in plenty of areas, although handing Payton Pritchard 12 minutes, while giving Derrick White just 21 was ill-advised. Other than that, Boston will probably be alright just staying the course, while being keenly aware that the less talented Heat are ready for a fight. Celtics in seven.