Jimmy Butler makes bold statement after Game 6 win over Celtics
Heat forward Jimmy Butler made a bold claim after his big performance in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Boston Celtics.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – MAY 27: Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat reacts against the Boston Celtics during the second quarter in Game Six of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Finals at TD Garden on May 27, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Maddie Meyer/Getty ImagesJimmy Butler certainly earned the right to talk some trash after his performance in Game 6 Friday night. The star Heat forward put up a postseason career-high 47 points as well as nine rebounds and eight assists in Miami's 111-103 season-extending win over the Celtics.
Still, Butler didn't hold back during his walk-off interview with ESPN. "I actually didn't hear the noise," Butler said when asked about so many experts picking the Celtics to win the game and end the series on Friday night. "We knew we were going to come in here and get one. We know we’re going to win this next one too."
Even if Butler didn't hear the noise, others on his team did. A number of Heat players said after Friday's game they were fueled by bulletin board material after Warriors forward Draymond Green said "I think we're going to play Boston" after the Warriors clinched their Western Conference Finals win Thursday night. Heat forward Udonis Haslem specifically referenced that interview after Friday night's game.
Will Butler's comments flip the script? After being pumped up for two days leading into Game 6, do the Celtics now have their own bulletin board material for Game 7?
We'll find out soon enough. This Eastern Conference Finals series wraps up - one way or another - Sunday night in Miami. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:30 p.m., with pregame coverage beginning at 8 on 98.5 The Sports Hub and the 98.5 The Sports Hub Celtics Radio Network.
