Previously, many believed that Jimmy Butler wasn’t a true superstar in the NBA. For whatever reason, that was what most believed until he joined the Miami Heat for the 2019-20 NBA season.
In his very first season with the Heat, he took the franchise to the NBA Finals. Fast forward to this season, Butler helped the team clinch the number one seed in the Eastern Conference.
Many believed that it was nothing but a fluke. Butler gave answers to his doubters with some pretty unbelievable performances this postseason. One of the best performances by the 32-year-old was in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
He completely took over the game and forced a Game 7 to keep the Heat in contention of making it to the finals. That performance garnered applause from the entire world and gave fans hope that the Heat might just advance to the Finals.
All things considered, Jimmy almost achieved that in the most important game of the series. In a matchup that finished at a score of 100-96, Butler scored 35 points. Sadly, he missed the potential game-winning three-pointer with about 17 seconds left on the clock.
That led to almost everyone questioning the three-point attempt by the Heat forward. Could he have waited longer before taking the shot? Maybe pass the ball to someone else? We’ll never know.
Agree with Jimmy pulling a three-pointer for the win there?
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) May 30, 2022
The above-mentioned question must be popping into everyone’s head. Well, here’s what NBA fans had to say about that shot attempt that could have sent the Heat to the NBA Finals.
Who ever says NO maybe never touches the basketball 🏀, like he played 48 minutes and you wanted him to play another 5 wtf is in your mind?
— ✨SecondWind✨ (@edmundrmmanuel) May 30, 2022
I think so. For the lead. Drive to the basket for a two also ok. But those guys go for the win. I think Curry would have done the same.
— Mark (@marktompkins) May 30, 2022
Wide open, you don't wait for an elite defensive team to set-up..
Good shot if it went..bad shot if it missed. I'd shoot it too. pic.twitter.com/LPKX7RQZfA
— Jay (@jasonskyknight) May 30, 2022
if ur the star player and having the game that he was having, you live with that shot
— clips (@happyclipperfan) May 30, 2022
https://twitter.com/andrewgreen1133/status/1531276798054514689
If Steph Curry takes that shot are we asking the same question?
— Johnny pittman (@Jpitt1977) May 30, 2022
Don’t start with this… your best player taking an open shot in a big moment. Jimmy did everything he could all series while lowry was nonstop selling
— The Pumpkin King (@__R__Y__A__N___) May 30, 2022
Nope drive it in and get the and 1
— DGRips (@sadlakerfann) May 30, 2022
Lets be real, when you’re the best player on your team you’re supposed to take that shot. He hit a similar transition 3 earlier in the game. If Lebron takes that shot and misses it no one questions it and Jimmy is a better shooter than Bron is.
— Theres always next year (@EdgyHD) May 30, 2022
Run the numbers:
Win Probability:
make – up 1: 62%
miss – down 2: 8%
don't shoot: 20%
Only need a 22% (maybe lower accounting for possibility of OREB) chance of making it to be justified.
— Sports and Math (@SportsandMath1) May 30, 2022
Yes, because he can’t afford to play 5 more minutes.
— ✨SecondWind✨ (@edmundrmmanuel) May 30, 2022
I wouldn't say it was a bad idea, just bad timing. Could've held it a couple seconds longer and passed it around and then maybe took the shot
— Git (@ZootyFlip) May 30, 2022
Fans seem to be divided about the shot taken by Butler. But keep in mind the fact that Jimmy was having a super game, and it was a great idea, just a better execution was needed.
Following the defeat at the hands of the Boston Celtics, Butler made a promise to Heat fans. He claimed that the Heat will be back next year and next time they will advance to the NBA Finals. Will Butler’s prediction be proven correct? Only time will tell.
