Author: Jeff Zillgitt, USA TODAY

NBA ponders next move as escalating fines, now up to $100,000, haven’t seemed to deter Dallas bench players from standing up during playoffs.

Playing without star Jimmy Butler in the second half, the Heat held on for a gutsy 109-103 road win over the Celtics and 2-1 series lead.

Boston shot 20-of-40 from 3-point range and delivered an impressive 127-102 beat-down against Miami to snatch home-court advantage.

Jabari Smith of Auburn, Paolo Banchero of Duke, Chet Holmgren of Gonzaga and Jaden Ivey of Purdue are expected to be the top draft prospects.

Jimmy Butler scored 41 points, including 27 in the second half as Miami took control on the way to a 118-107 win and 1-0 series lead.

The Boston Celtics have a terrific opportunity to win their first NBA championship since 2008 – and overtake the LA Lakers for the most titles.

Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum lead the way, Grant Williams provides spark from long range in Game 7 as Celtics eliminate defending NBA champions.

In a game he’s been building to for years, Jayson Tatum turned in a transcendent performance with Boston on the edge of elimination on the road.

Jayson Tatum scored 46 points as the Celtics overcame 44 from Giannis Antetokounmpo to beat the Bucks 108-95 and force Game 7 back in Boston.

Following another disappointing playoff exit, the Sixers head into the summer unsure what the team will look like at the start of next season.