Heat become first eighth seed to reach Conference Finals in 24 years

The Miami Heat became the first eighth seed in nearly a quarter century to reach the conference finals, downing the New York Knicks 96-92 in Game 6 of their series to advance.

Six-time All-Star Jimmy Butler put up 24 points with eight rebounds and four assists to steer the Heat past a Knicks team that was desperate to stay alive in front of a raucous Miami crowd.

They will next meet either the Philadelphia 76ers or Boston Celtics.

It was bitter disappointment for the Knicks, who rolled over Cleveland Cavaliers in the opening round - their first NBA playoff series win in a decade - and nearly closed the gap with seconds left on the clock.

[Source: reuters]