Jimmy Butler’s bold claim to clap back at the Celtics stole momentum in the Eastern Finals

The game for the 2023 NBA Finals isn’t set — yet. After the Denver Nuggets swept the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference Finals, the hope was that the Miami Heat would do the same as the Boston Celtics faced in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals with a 3-0 series lead. .

Instead, the Celtics beat the Heat, 116-99, in Game 4 to bounce back to the series and prevent elimination. Boston is now home for Game 5 on Thursday night, with every game of the series being an elimination game for them from here on out. While Celtics fans wish this could be the 2004 Boston Red Sox situation – who can forget the BoSox coming back from a 3-0 hole against the Yankees in the ALCS? — Miami star Jimmy Butler didn’t sound all that worried after the game.

When asked if Boston was stealing the momentum in the series with their Game 4 win, Butler was the other way around. He believes Boston’s victory will actually provide momentum for the Heat.

This feels like a quote that could only come from Jimmy Butler. The Heat had a chance to shut out the Celtics at home, and they fell short. Somehow, Butler really thought it would help Miami. It’s just the kind of confidence he plays with all postseason.

Not everyone agrees. said TNT analyst Charles Barkley he thought Boston would win easily in Game 5 thanks to the energy of the home crowd.

Butler, meanwhile, said nothing would change going into Game 5. After scoring 29 points in another efficient performance in Game 4, Butler said his team would be listening to music, drinking wine and beer and sticking together.

Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Heat and Celtics is scheduled for Thursday, May 25 at 8:30 p.m. ET from Boston. This series is just starting to get great.