Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler certainly doesn't lack for motivation, but his competitive urges rose significantly in the middle of the fourth quarter on Friday.
Boston reserve Grant Williams started chirping after sinking a 3-pointer to give the Celtics a nine-point lead in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals.
Butler enjoyed his second straight stellar all-around game with 27 points, eight rebounds, six assists and three steals as Miami won in Boston for the second straight game to open the best-of-seven series. Said Miami forward Caleb Martin: "We'll take Mad Jimmy any time. I could see it in his eyes that he was ready to go after that."
Jayson Tatum had 34 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists for second-seeded Boston but didn't convert a field goal in the fourth quarter for the second straight game. All five of Tatum's final-quarter points came on free throws in the final minute. Boston shot 46.8 percent from the field, including 10 of 35 from 3-point range. Derrick White had 11 points for the Celtics.Robinson responded with two 3-pointers during Miami's ensuing 10-2 spurt to cut the Celtics' lead to 91-87 with 8:40 left.
Tatum scored his first points of the fourth quarter by making three free throws with 49.3 seconds left. Gabe Vincent knocked down a jumper with 35.1 seconds left to give the Heat a 107-103 edge.
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