MIAMI (AP) — The Boston Celtics and Golden State Warriors will play for a championship.
The Celtics are in the NBA Finals for the first time in 12 years following a 100-96 win over the Heat in Game 7.
Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Marcus Smart combined for about three-quarters of Boston’s points, with Tatum leading the way with 26. Brown and Smart each had 24 points for the Celtics, who survived a frantic Miami rally in the closing seconds.
The Heat trailed by 11 with three minutes left before storming back. Jimmy Butler finished with 35 points and Bam Adebayo had 25 for Miami, which was trying to win the East for the second time in three years.
The Warriors will host Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Thursday.
