Enlarge image
Chance saved: Jimmy Butler hugs PJ Tucker
Photo: Michael Dwyer / dpa
On the way to the NBA Finals, the Miami Heat forced a decider in a duel with the Boston Celtics.
The team around the outstanding Jimmy Butler got a 111:103 in Boston on Friday evening and equalized in the series to 3:3.
The decision on who will play against the Golden State Warriors for the NBA title will now be made in Miami on Sunday (local time).
"My team believes in me so much, my coaches too, they give me the confidence to just go out there and play basketball," said Butler, who also had eight assists, nine rebounds and four stolen balls.
According to the US broadcaster ESPN, he has never had better values in the playoffs.
According to the league, the 47 points were also a playoff career best for the 32-year-old.
Although the Celtics, who had Jayson Tatum as the top pitcher with 30 points, regained the lead at 97-94 with less than five minutes to go, the Heat stayed focused in the loud TD Garden and clinched the win.
It would be Miami's first final since losing to the Los Angeles Lakers two years ago, and the Celtics haven't been in the finals since 2010.
Together with the Lakers, the Celtics hold the record with 17 titles in the NBA so far.
sak/dpa