Miami Heat Crush Celtics in Game 7, Storm to NBA Finals

MIAMI — The Miami Heat refused to let history slip away, dismantling the Boston Celtics 103-84 in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Monday at TD Garden. Caleb Martin exploded for 26 points, powering the Heat to victory after they had squandered a 3-0 series lead, preserving the perfect 151-0 all-time NBA playoff record for teams ahead 3-0. Bam Adebayo contributed 12 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists, while Jimmy Butler secured Eastern Conference Finals MVP honors in the decisive win.

Jayson Tatum's early ankle injury hampered Boston, limiting him to 14 points on 5-of-13 shooting; he later called himself a 'shell of myself.' The Heat, an improbable No. 8 seed, became only the second in NBA history to reach the Finals since the 1999 New York Knicks, bouncing back from three straight losses including a heartbreaker in Game 6 at home. South Florida fans erupted as Miami punched their ticket to face the Denver Nuggets, with the series tipping off Thursday.

This triumph caps a gritty playoff run for the Heat, who play at Kaseya Center in Miami and draw fervent support from Florida's basketball faithful. Initially buzzing from FOX 13 News reports of their Eastern Conference semifinal push, the Heat's story has captivated the state, blending underdog resilience with star power amid balmy Southeast Florida nights.