Jimmy Butler, the standout player for the Miami Heat, had to make a snap choice in the closing seconds of Sunday’s devastating loss to the Washington Wizards as the ball ricocheted off the rim and into his hands.
After Duncan Robinson missed, Butler grabbed the long rebound and had the option to try for two points to tie the game or climb up for a three-pointer to win. Butler does not regret his choice, even if the Heat fell to the Wizards 110-108 after his shot missed the back iron.
I’m never going for the tie. Ever,” Butler said postgame.
Jimmy Butler had a chance to win the game with a 3-pointer at the end of the Miami Heat’s stunning loss to the Washington Wizards Sunday. Even though he missed, he said he’d make the same decision again.
Miami may have suffered its biggest loss of the year as a result. The Heat (35–29) have now lost three in a row, most recently against a team that had only 10 wins prior to an incredible 11th, the Wizards, on Sunday.
Even though Butler finished with a career-high 32 points and Corey Kisper’s 22 points, and the Heat had six players in double figures, it was insufficient to match Washinton’s Kyle Kuzma and Corey Kisper. Butler finished with 23 points on 9 for 20 shooting, four assists, and three rebounds.
Butler remarked, “This game is simply incredibly humbling.” “This is what will happen and this is what will continue to happen if you do not leave with the proper mindset.”
For Butler, going all out to win is nothing new. When given the option to attempt a game-winning 3-pointer or a two-point basket to tie the score, Butler, who typically shoots a lot less 3-pointers than his superstar teammates, almost always goes for the lead.
Some have occurred during highly publicised events, such as in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference playoffs in 2022 against the Boston Celtics, when Butler chose to foul rather than attack Al Horford off the dribble for a possible game-winning basket in the final 16 seconds. Butler maintained his position on each occasion.
Butler is probably going to decide how to end the game the next time he has the option to go for the win or the draw.
