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          'Kobe Tatum': Stars from around the sports world had plenty of thoughts on Celtics-Heat Game 7

          • ESPN.com
          May 29, 2022, 11:42 PM ET

          The Boston Celtics are going to their 22nd NBA finals.

          In a back-and-forth series that culminated in a nervy Game 7, the Celtics outlasted the Miami Heat. Leading by double-digits multiple times, the Celtics somehow managed to let the Heat back into it, primarily off a heroic effort by Jimmy Butler, who followed up his 47-point Game 6 performance with a 35-point, nine rebound line. With the lead cut to two in the final minute, Butler was one-on-one with Al Horford with what appeared to be an opening to drive to the rim. Instead, he chose to go for the lead from behind the arc -- and it didn't land. The Celtics managed to extend their lead to four with two foul shots by Marcus Smart, and that was it for the Eastern Conference finals.

          Smart, Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum showed out in Game 7. Smart had 24 points with nine rebounds and five assists, Brown contributed 24 with six rebounds and six assists, while Tatum led the team with 26 points, 10 rebounds and six assists. Collectively, they scored on or assisted with 94 of the Celtics' 100 points, according to ESPN Stats & Information. Boston will move on to face the Golden State Warriors in the finals.

          Athletes from around the sports world reacted to an exciting Game 7 -- and many gave kudos to Butler for attempting his missed three.