Miami Heat, Boston Celtics Matchup Of The Night: Jimmy Butler vs. Jayson Tatum
The Miami Heat are facing off against the Boston Celtics for the first time since their victory in the Eastern Conference Finals.
This new-age rivalry continues to grow, with superstars Jimmy Butler and Jayson Tatum at the center of it. Tatum and Butler are regarded as two of the top forwards in the league.
Butler and the Heat are coming off a nail-biting victory against the Detroit Pistons. He scored 19 points along with 13 rebounds, four assists, and two steals on 33.3 percent shooting. Miami led by as much as 19 points in the fourth quarter, but the Pistons brought it within one to end the game.
The Celtics found success against the New York Knicks with their new-look roster. Tatum was on fire against New York, scoring 34 points on 59.1 percent shooting. Their backcourt of Jrue Holiday and Jaylen Brown struggled, recording a combined 20 points and seven assists.
Butler got the better of Tatum in last year’s Conference Finals, with Miami advancing to the NBA Finals after a blowout Game 7 win. However, after an offseason filled with acquisitions, Boston is seeking revenge.
Butler commented on the talent of the Celtics following their regular-season opener.
“So you really get to get tested early on with the guys that we about to go up against," Butler said. "Talk about some extremely talented guys, some championship-caliber teams. It'll be fun.”
For Miami, this is the first of a three-game road trip. They will face the Minnesota Timberwolves and Milwaukee Bucks in the following days.
Anthony Pasciolla works as a contributing writer to Inside the Heat.
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