Heat vs. Celtics score: Live NBA playoff updates as Miami hosts Boston in Game 1 of Eastern Conference finals

The Miami Heat used a third-quarter surge against the Boston Celtics to take an 17-point lead into the fourth quarter of Game 1 of the 2022 NBA Eastern Conference finals. The Heat trailed at halftime but started the third quarter on a 22-2 run and are now looking to close out the series opener on their home court. Jimmy Butler had a game-high 31 points through three quarters, and Miami ramped up the defense after the break, limiting Boston to 14 third-quarter points. Jayson Tatum had 21 first-half points for the Celtics, who led by eight at halftime.

Both teams are shorthanded for the series opener. Marcus Smart (foot) and Al Horford (health and safety protocols) are both sidelined for the Celtics. Miami’s Kyle Lowry, meanwhile, is out with a hamstring injury, and big man PJ Tucker went to the locker room in the second quarter with an ankle injury but returned after halftime.

This matchup marks the second time in three seasons that the Heat and Celtics are meeting in the Eastern Conference finals. Miami won, 4-2, in the Orlando bubble in 2020. Follow along below for all the real-time updates between the Heat and Celtics in Game 1.