Marcus Smart shines as Bolton Celtics beat Miami Heat to level Eastern Conference finals

MIAMI: Marcus Smart came back from injury to lead the Boston Celtics to a level the Eastern Conference finals by 1-1 tie against the Miami Heat.

Smart had a fantastic all-around performance in the Celtics' 127-102 win in Florida, with 24 points, 12 assists, and nine rebounds.

With 27 points, Jayson Tatum led the Celtics, while Jimmy Butler topped the Heat with 29.

"I was pumped," said Smart post-match. "I felt bad that I couldn't be out there with my team-mates and go to battle with them.

"We're playing against a really good Miami Heat team. I got to get my rest, I got my health back, I got to watch and see some things and come out to execute this game."

Butler scored 41 points in game one of the series, but was outscored by Smart (5 three-pointers) in game two.

Game three of the best-of-seven series will be played in Boston on Saturday (01:30 BST Sunday).

The Golden State Warriors lead the Dallas Mavericks 1-0 in the Western Conference playoffs and will host the series' second game on Friday (02:00 BST Saturday).

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