Google News Heat HC Erik Spoelstra gives thoughts on Jimmy Butler missing key three pointer
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Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra said he was okay with the pull-up three Jimmy Butler took in the key moments of Game 7 versus the Boston Celtics. The Heat were on a 9-0 run and cut the deficit to 96-98 when Butler pulled up for a three with 17 seconds lef to play in the game.
The Butler three could have given the Heat a one-point lead but the shot didn't go in. Instead, the Celtics rebounded the ball - scored two free throws and sealed a 100-96 win to advance to the Nba Finals. "I thought it would have been an incredible storyline for Jimmy to pull up and hit that 3," Spoelstra said, per ESPN.
"I love that about Jimmy. That was the right look, and I just thought as it was leaving his hand, I thought for sure that was going down. It was a good, clean look, definitely better than anything we could have designed. It was a shame it didn't end that way, but I can't compliment Boston enough."
Butler went for it
Butler scored a game-high 35 points and was great throughout the entire playoffs but his key three didn't go in and the Heat ended up losing in the Eastern Conference Finals.
"My thought process was go for the win," Butler said. "Which I did. Missed a shot. But I'm taking that shot. My teammates liked the shot that I took. So I'm living with it." Butler had some incredible performances throughout the playoffs.
In Game 6 versus the Celtics, Butler scored 47 points and the Heat stayed alive. Reflecting on his postseason, Butler said it wasn't good enough. "Not good enough," Butler said. "I didn't do my job. Stats don't mean anything, as I say over and over again.
The Boston Celtics did what they came out here to do in this series. I learned that I have to be better, and I will be better. Get back to the lab and have an opportunity to work out with these guys over the summer, and we'll come back better than ever." Butler is 32 and remains without a title.
However, he is confident the Heat have a good enough team and will be contenders next season. "Figure out a way to be consistent," Butler said. "I think we had enough -- I think we do have enough." Butler will be turning 33 before the next season begins.