NBA: Fil-Am Miami coach Eric Spoelstra on the cusp of sending Miami to the Eastern Finals

Eric Spoelstra has given the Miami Heat their best shot at reaching the NBA Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in six years after running to an impressive 3-0 lead over top seed Milwaukee.

Spoelstra, whose mother, Elisa Celino, is from San Pablo, Laguna, led the Heat on the cusp of claiming a spot in the Eastern Finals after recovering from 11 points early in the quarter to upset the Bucks 115-100 in the Game 3 of his Conference Semifinal Series.

Jimmy Butler scored 17 of his 30 points in the fourth quarter, allowing Miami to frustrate MVP candidate Giannis Antetokounmpo and Milwaukee for the third straight game.

Miami will attempt to go for the sweep on Monday morning Manila time inside Walt Disney World in Orlando.

It was the 78th win in 118 playoff games for Spoelstra, who brought two NBA titles to South Florida in 2012 and 2013.

Spoelstra last guided the Heat to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2014 behind the all-star trio of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.

Miami defeated top seed Indiana 4-2 but lost to San Antonio for the title in five games. Since then, the Heat have won just one playoff series before this year.

The Heat won all seven postseason games this year, beginning with a four-game sweep over the Indiana Pacers in the first round of the Eastern Conference.