Miami Tops Boston In Eastern Conference Finals

Jimmy Butler led the Heat with 41 points, 27 of them in the second half, when Miami came back from being down by eight points at halftime. The Heat outscored Boston 39-14 in the third quarter, with Butler ahead of the Celtics all by himself in the quarter with 17 points.

Boston was without starters Marcus Smart, out with a foot injury, and Al Holford, out due to health and safety protocols.

The Orlando Magic won the NBA draft lottery last night, getting the first overall pick for the first time since 2004. The Oklahoma City Thunder got the second pick, and the Houston Rockets the third, followed by the Sacramento Kings with the fourth pick. The draft will take place on June 23rd in New York. 

Comissioners Working For Release Of Griner

NBA commissioner Adam Silver said Tuesday that he’s working with WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert to try to get Phoenix Mercury star Brittney Griner released from Russia, where she’s been held since February.

In an ESPN interview before the NBA draft lottery, Silver said, “We’ve been in touch with the White House, the State Department, hostage negotiators, every level of government and also through the private sector as well. Our Number 1 priority is her health and safety and making sure that she gets out of Russia.” 

National Basketball Association

Conference Finals

Miami 118, Boston 107 -- Miami leads series 1-0 (Eastern)

Wednesday, May 18 Schedule (All Times Central)

Dallas at Golden State, 8 p.m.

West Finals -- Game 1

Women's National Basketball Association

Tuesday, May 17 Scoreboard

Conn 92, New York 65

Atlanta 101, Indiana 79

Washington 84, Dallas 68

Las Vegas 86, Phoenix 74

Minnesota 87, Los Angeles 84