Celtics Defeat Heat In Game 7, Advance To NBA Finals

The Miami Heat put up a valiant effort, but it wasn't enough as the Boston Celtics defeated them 100-96 in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals Sunday night.

Jimmy Butler had another huge game and Bam Adebayo was aggressive, but it wasn't enough for the Heat in their loss to the Celtics.

It's also the first time in their history that they have made it to the Finals, after years of heartbreak and disappointment.

"We finally got over the hump," said Marcus Smart, who led all scorers with 26 points. "To get over the hump with this group, it means everything."

Jaylen Brown added: "Today was the biggest test… not just of the year, but of our careers."

In the series finale, Boston’s Jayson Tatum earned the first Larry Bird Trophy, given to the MVP of the East finals. He had 26 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, two blocks and a steal in what turned out to be a close game that saw him lead his team to victory.

The Boston Celtics have advanced to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2010.

The Celtics, who finished the regular season with a league-best 55-27 record, defeated the Milwaukee Bucks in seven games in their Eastern Conference Finals matchup. The win marks Boston's 22nd trip to the Finals in franchise history and their first since 2010. They will face the Golden State Warriors and try to win a league-record 18th championship, which would break a tie with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Game 1 of the NBA Finals is Thursday in San Francisco (9 p.m. ET, ABC).