The Miami Heat forced a Game 7 against the Boston Celtics thanks to a brilliant performance from Jimmy Butler. They will be returning to FTX Arena with momentum as they look to advance in the NBA playoffs. Additionally, a fine will be awaiting them.
The NBA announced that the Heat have been fined $25,000 for violating the league rules about bench rules. The official press release states that they stood up in front of the bench for too long, stood away from the bench or got too close to the court.
The Miami Heat organization has been fined $25K by the NBA for violating the league rules regarding bench decorum. pic.twitter.com/ufnVpFI9Aa
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) May 28, 2022
The Dallas Mavericks received a fine for the same reason during their Western Conference Finals series against the Golden State Warriors. The Mavs were three-time offenders during their five-game series loss. The Heat took up the mantle after their elimination.
The most obvious instance of the Heat encroaching on the court was when Kyle Lowry nearly provided a backdoor contest on an Al Horford triple with under two minutes remaining in the game. He lunged forward at the Celtics center during his shot attempt. Markieff Morris also stood mere inches away from Marcus Smart on the court as he sunk a corner 3-pointer.




nba tracking data will show kyle lowry was the primary defender of al horford on this shot pic.twitter.com/X8YYQpb46R
— Dan Favale (@danfavale) May 28, 2022
While the Heat's encroachment to the court didn't exactly dictate the whole game, it is reflective of the rugged, aggressive defense they played against the Celtics. They gave Boston a lot of trouble on defense and scored off of turnovers with regularity.
Game 7 will be on Sunday night. The Heat will be looking to have another strong performance with a trip to the NBA Finals up for grabs.