Jimmy Butler is right on the money.
The Celtics destroyed the Heat 127-102 in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals, as they closed the first quarter with a 35-24 lead and never looked back. Boston’s lead ballooned to 25 points by halftime.
Butler, who scored 29 points and was the only member of the Heat who showed up Thursday, summarized the Celtics’ domination after the game.
“I don’t like to move on from this because it has to hurt,” Butler told reporters, via the Globe. “They tried to embarrass us. They did embarrass us. I think we have to realize that — use it as fuel, whatever you want to say — but realize that the game can get out of hand when you’re playing a really good team like them that can score the ball and get stops.”
The Heat bested the Celtics in Game 1 thanks to an incredible third quarter and some psychological warfare. That would seem to be Miami’s only path to victory in this series: the Celtics are a much better team.
On Thursday, the Celtics played like it. Two years ago, the Heat bullied the Celtics on their way to the NBA Finals. But now the script has seemingly turned.
With wins over the Nets and Bucks, nobody could accuse the Celtics of gliding into the NBA Finals. Taking care of the Heat is their last test.
Butler’s quotes indicate Miami may already be giving up.