Ranking the 5 most heartbreaking Heat losses of the Jimmy Butler Era

May 29, 2022; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) attempts a game winning three pointer as Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) defends in the fourth quarter of game seven of the 2022 eastern conference finals at FTX Arena. Butler missed the shot. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports
May 29, 2022; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) attempts a game winning three pointer as Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) defends in the fourth quarter of game seven of the 2022 eastern conference finals at FTX Arena. Butler missed the shot. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports / Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports
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4. 2020 Game 6 vs Lakers

It’s fitting to follow up with a game in the same series that saw the Heat’s magical run come to a close with a 106-93 defeat against the Lakers. Although this wasn’t a game that the Heat blew a huge lead in or were defeated by a last-second shot, it was deflating to see the Heat get dismantled after their amazing run to the Finals that a lot of people did not expect to see happen (insert Heat Vs Haters pinned tweet clip).

When the Lakers began to pull away, the unfortunate reality began to sink in that the only way the Heat were going to defeat the Lakers was if Butler put together legendary performances. With Butler not exploding for a 35-plus point triple-double and playoff Rondo becoming the Human Torch, the Heat stood no chance of forcing a Game 7. 

It was remarkable to see Goran Dragic play with a torn plantar fascia. It was clear that Dragic was nowhere near ready to play and attempted to give the Heat the spark they needed. After the game, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra was overcome with emotion and was seen wiping tears away during his postgame press conference.

“We’re going to remember this year, this season, this experience and that locker room brotherhood for the rest of our lives,” Spoelstra said.

It was also revealed that Dragic was very emotional after the loss and sent a heartfelt message to the fans.

Although they overachieved, it’s still a shame that one of their best shots at a championship ultimately fell short. But during a time that many viewed as a dark year, the Miami Heat stuck together and put together an unforgettable run that Heat Nation will never forget.