Finals for the first time since 2010 The Boston Celtics reached the NBA Playoffs Finals for the first time in 12 years after the Miami Warm decisively came to a 100-96 win in game seven.
NBA Playoffs Boston had failed in its last five playoff series and almost did it again when Jimmy Butler missed the final three-pointer attempt that would have given Miami the lead.
But they secured the win and will face the Golden State Warriors in the final.
“This is a typical Celtics win,” said coach Ime Udoka.
“We’ve been through a lot of trouble this year. We’re a tough band and tonight seems to mark our season. But, unfortunately, we’ll never be able to close the door and have to put it out.”
The Celtics once led in the second quarter with 17 points, but the excitement in the fourth helped Miami cut the lead by tens of thousands.
After three misses by Butler, Boston’s Marcus Smart – who had 24 points and nine rebounds – secured his long-awaited place in the final with two free throws.
The Celtics’ leading player in this series is Jason Tatum with 26 points, ten rebounds, and six assists, while Jaylan Brown has 24 points.
Tatum said: “The path we took to get here, not many people believe in us. So we took the most difficult path, and it worked.”
Boston meets the Warriors, who beat the Dallas Mavericks to secure their place in the Finals, in their first game in San Francisco on Thursday.