The Miami Heat came into their Game 7 matchup with the Boston Celtics on the heels of an epic Jimmy Butler performance in Game 6. Playing at home and with the momentum, it seemed, they would have a great chance to propel themselves to the NBA Finals.
Unfortunately though, as they had in Games 4 and 5, the Miami Heat got themselves out to a horrid start, allowing the Celtics to score 30 first-quarter points. They would pull back close all game though, eventually taking a seven-point deficit into the fourth period.
It seemed all but over with about five minutes or so to go, but then the Miami Heat went on a massive run to bring it to within two points with about 20 seconds on the clock. Off of a stop and down two, the Miami Heat had a chance to tie it.
Jimmy Butler would go down the court with Al Horford in front of him and rise up for a lead-taking three.
The Miami Heat were that close to making it to the NBA Finals. Jimmy Butler had a good look to go up late, but couldn’t get it to go down, and you’ll live with that.
The shot didn’t go.
Jimmy Butler had a chance to give the Heat the lead.. pic.twitter.com/wUlDshU8RS
— Action Network (@ActionNetworkHQ) May 30, 2022
After that, the Celtics were fouled, made their free throws, and the game was over. The discourse after the contest is all about Jimmy Butler’s shot though.
To be frank and clear, yes, you would much rather Jimmy Butler attack there. There is a good chance that he finishes the layup over Horford and a slight chance he gets fouled.
However, you also can’t blame, persecute, or crucify Jimmy for his choice there. He’s made tough shot after tough shot during this Miami Heat playoff run.
He continued to do so in this Game 7. He just missed the last tough one that he took.
You can be upset at the results, that’s fair. You can wonder why a guy that has been elite in the middle areas and around the hoop didn’t go to his bread and butter when it mattered most.
That is also fair. But it’s probably a bit unfair to question the guy that carried the Miami Heat this far on his back.
In a make-or-miss league, Jimmy Butler missed. You hate it, but you live with it because of all else the guy has done for this team.