Miami stormed into Boston’s TD Garden and handed the Celtics a decisive 103-84 setback, sealing a 4-3 series victory that ends Boston’s hopes in the Eastern Conference finals. The Heat move on to the NBA Finals to meet the Denver Nuggets, a rested opponent fresh from a grueling conference gauntlet. The pulse of the night belonged to Derrick White, who logged 18 points and proved indispensable even after a shaky start that left him briefly hobbled in the opening game when Tatum faced a tough moment. White ultimately contributed 14 points and 11 rebounds, becoming a steadying force for a Boston team that needed every bit of leadership. Yet the night belonged to the Heat, whose top scorer was Caleb Martin, and who turned on the jets with a 26-point, 10-rebound performance on an efficient 11-for-16 shooting night. His scoring burst, paired with Jimmy Butler’s steady play of 28 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals, pushed Miami ahead early and kept them there. In the end, Boston’s offense could not find its rhythm from beyond the arc, finishing the game at a low 3-point percentage, a stark contrast to Miami’s more confident perimeter shooting.
The first minutes set a clear tone. Jayson Tatum attempted a jumper but slipped under contact from Gabe Vincent, rolling his ankle. He returned to the floor, yet his grimace and fatigue were plain—an early indicator of a difficult night for Boston. The Celtics’ shooting woes soon became a mounting issue, as they struggled to convert from long range and required thirteen attempts just to hit their first triple. Miami emerged with a comfortable edge, taking a 22-15 lead after the opening period.
Boston responded with defensive focus, but Miami looked more composed and less prone to the careless mistakes that had plagued them in earlier games of the series. The Heat extended their advantage to eleven by halftime, leading 52-41 and carrying the momentum into the third period. Bam Adebayo, held to 12 points on the night, contributed 10 rebounds and 7 assists but did not deliver the dominant scoring display Miami sometimes relies on. Still, Caleb Martin’s two early threes and his late-quarter buzzer-beater underpinned Miami’s ability to stay ahead as Boston tried to close the gap.
The third quarter sparked a comeback attempt by Boston. With White guiding the charge and Tatum less explosive due to the ankle issue, Boston began to chip into the Heat lead, moving within five points at one stretch. Miami’s attackers found answers in key moments, and the team’s perimeter shooting continued to pressure Boston’s defense. The fourth quarter pushed the Heat further clear. Boston’s offense sputtered as the clock ran down, and the visitors pulled away with a sustained run that widened the margin to a decisive finish. The Cavaliers? No. It was the Heat who kept up the pace, denying Boston a late surge and sealing the series on the road. The Celtics could not sustain a comeback, and Miami seized the moment to claim victory and a berth in the NBA Finals in Denver.
As the final buzzer sounded, Miami celebrated a hard-fought Game 7 win that echoed last year’s Eastern Conference clash in Miami. Jimmy Butler earned recognition for his pivotal play, and the team earned a deserved rest before facing a well-rested Nuggets squad in the championship series. The trip to Colorado is real, with tips of a potential Thursday morning start and a slate that could stretch into Friday, depending on the schedule. The Heat’s triumph marks a significant milestone for the franchise, an opportunity to test their mettle against one of the league’s most balanced teams in a Finals setting, and a reminder that this playoff run has required every player’s contribution to reach this stage.