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Boston Celtics

Boston Celtics

Boston Celtics

Jimmy Butler, Erik Spoelstra make guarantees before Game 7

By Alex Barth
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 19: Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra speaks with Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat against the Boston Celtics during the first quarter in game two of the Eastern Conference Finals at TD Garden on May 19, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)

After the Celtics won Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals in Boston, Heat forward Jimmy Butler guaranteed the Heat would close out the season at home.

That guarantee ultimately failed to come to fruition. Thanks to last-second heroics from Derrick White, the Celtics forced a Game 7 in Boston with a 104-103 win.

  • Despite the loss, Butler’s tone isn’t changing. In fact, he’s doubling down on his guarantee.

    “We’re not going to let up. I’m not going to let anybody quit. I’m not going to let our guys quit,” Butler told reporters after Game 6. “I don’t give a damn what happens. We’re going to go in there, we’re going to win.”

  • If Butler wants his guarantee to come true this time, he’ll need to personally elevate his game. After shooting 46 percent from the floor over the first three games, Butler is down to just 36.5 percent (19-of-52) over the last three games. That’s due in large part to the Celtics denying him clean looks at the rim.

    Butler wasn’t alone in making his guarantee, either. Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra brought his confidence to the podium after Game 6. “I don’t know how we’re gonna get this done, but we’re gonna go up there and get it done,” he said.

    This dramatic series, and these guarantees, now come down to Game 7 on Monday. Coverage of Game 7 begins at 8 p.m. on 98.5 The Sports Hub and the Sports Hub BetMGM Celtics Radio Network.

  • Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at [email protected].

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