Jimmy Butler fought through traffic for the game-winning bucket with 12 seconds remaining in overtime as the Miami Heat edged the Boston Celtics 117-114 in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals.

Butler drew a foul on the play and made the free throw to put the Heat up 116-114.

Bam Adebayo blocked Jayson Tatum’s attempt to tie the score with 3.7 seconds remaining, and after Adebayo made 1 of 2 at the free throw line, Tatum missed on a 3-point attempt as time expired to seal the result.

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Goran Dragic led the Heat with 29 points, Jae Crowder added 22 and Butler scored 20 for the Heat, who won for the ninth time in 10 playoff games.

Adebayo had 18 points and nine assists.

Tatum had a game-high 30 points, Marcus Smart scored 26 and Kemba Walker had 19 for the Celtics.

Walker put Boston up 114-113 on a step-back bucket with 23.6 seconds left in overtime.

Game 2 of the best-of-seven series will take place on Friday morning AEST.

-AAP