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.
“Can you do something for me?” he said, his eyes just a red and teary mess at this point. “Tell the fans we really tried and I’m sorry. I really tried.”
— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) December 30, 2023
And then he and Jimmy walked out, arms slung over each other’s shoulders, Goran pretty much inconsolable.
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.