Kawhi Leonard's series-clinching three in Game 7 of the 2019 Eastern Conference Semifinals had several implications for Jimmy Butler, who was then playing for the Sixers.
Many favored the Sixers to win the East, but Leonard's fortunate bounce sent the Sixers home packing and led the Raptors to their first championship in franchise history.
A look at Leonard's now-famous shot in the closing seconds of regulation:
As part of a recent interview with The Athletic, Butler looked back on Leonard's shot and what might have been. Ultimately, he was left with a lot of what ifs.
“It just goes to show you how fragile life is. Not just basketball. Life,” Butler said in an interview with The Athletic. “How things can change in an instant, in the snap of a finger and it hurts because you think about what could’ve been. What happens if we win that game? Do we win a championship? Am I in Philly? All of these ifs. Who knows?
“But you think about it. It’ll haunt you for the rest of your days — especially if you don’t get an opportunity — that you were that close,” Butler added. “And then you’re like, man, one play, one possession, one anything and it easily could’ve been us winning that championship. If I ask you, who would you pick if we win that? You’d probably say Philly. Golden State is not healthy? I would say Philly. I don’t know many people who would say Golden State, if they’re not healthy.”
Butler's run with the Sixers came to an end this summer, when he was traded to the Heat as part of a four-team deal. The former Marquette Golden Eagle has played well for Miami through the early stages of this season, racking up averages of 18.7 points on 42.0 percent shooting, a career-high 7.0 assists, 5.7 rebounds and a career-high 2.7 steals.
Perhaps Butler and the Heat will be able to make a run at the playoffs this season. They're off to a franchise-best 10-3 start, including a franchise-best 6-0 mark at home. Let's see if they can keep their momentum rolling.
Follow Us
Subscribe