However, things got exciting in the last few minutes when the Heat reduced the gap to two points with an 11:0 run. star player Jimmy Butlerthe best thrower of the game with 35 points, then missed the possible first lead of the Heat from the line of three with 16 seconds to go.
Boston’s Brown hit the rebound, and two free throws from Smart converted the Celtics to a narrow lead over time.
Theis, who has played a supporting role in the playoffs so far, was not used.
Celtics set course for title number 18
The Celtics now have the chance to become the sole record holders in the NBA again. They are currently level with the Los Angeles Lakers with 17 championships won. The Warriors, who last won three titles between 2015 and 2018, are again tied for third place with six championships.
In the final, Boston, who reached the NBA finals for the first time since 2010, meets the Golden State Warriors around superstar Stephen Curry. The first final game of the Best of sevenseries increases in the night from Thursday to Friday (3.00 a.m.).
Source: dpa