The Miami Heat are the latest team to enter the 2022 NBA offseason. They fell to the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals, but not without a fight. Miami, led by Jimmy Butler, battled until the end, forcing Game 7 and staying in it until the final buzzer.
Speaking of the final buzzer, many are questioning Butler's late-game three-point attempt from Game 7. He took the shot with roughly 17 seconds left on the clock, attempting to gain a one-point lead down 98-96. Of course, Butler's attempt at a heroic, 2019 Kawhi Leonard-esque three failed, sealing the Heat's postseason fate.
The NBA world is still contemplating the attempt two days later. Fortunately for the small forward, his teammates support his decision.
Udonis Haslem discussed the situation, saying that he thought it was going in and thought it was a “great shot.” Heat reporter Ira Winderman tweeted the veteran's quote Tuesday afternoon.
Udonis Haslem said there was no issue in Jimmy Butler going for 3 on decisive late sequence Sunday, "I thought it was going in, I thought it was a great shot. I'm living with that. That's what great players do. They go for the win. They go for the kill."
— Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) May 31, 2022
The way that Butler played throughout the postseason, he had every reason to attempt that shot. He averaged 27.4 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 4.6 assists in the playoffs. In Game 7. Butler had 35 points, shot 25% from deep and 54% from the field.
Haslem isn't Butler's only teammate commending him for a remarkable postseason performance. Fellow starter Bam Adebayo declared Butler a “superstar” following the Heat's playoff exit.
Regardless of what anyone thinks of Butler's late-game attempt, what's done is done. The Celtics moved on and will take on the Golden State Warriors in the 2022 NBA Finals.
Follow Us
Subscribe