In the closing moments of Sunday’s game against the Washington Wizards, Jimmy Butler faced a pivotal decision after securing a long rebound off Duncan Robinson’s miss.
With the Heat trailing by two points, Butler had to choose between attempting a game-winning 3-pointer or going for two to tie the game. Despite the miss and the Heat’s subsequent 110-108 loss, Butler expressed no regrets about his decision.
“I’m never going for the tie. Ever,” declared Butler in the postgame remarks, emphasizing his inclination to pursue the win even in critical situations.
The defeat marked one of Miami’s most significant losses of the season, extending their losing streak to three games. The Wizards, with only 10 wins before the game, secured their 11th in a stunning fashion against the struggling Heat.
Butler, finishing the game with 23 points on 9-of-20 shooting, along with four assists and three rebounds, led the Heat’s effort. Despite six players scoring in double figures for Miami, they couldn’t match the dynamic performances of Washington’s Kyle Kuzma (32 points) and Corey Kisper (22 points).
“This game is just very humbling,” reflected Butler, acknowledging the importance of maintaining the right mindset to avoid such setbacks. The consecutive losses highlight the team’s need for consistency and a resilient approach.
Butler’s inclination to go for the win, even when facing critical late-game decisions, is a recurring theme in his career. He has often opted for game-winning 3-point attempts over tying the game with a 2-pointer. Notable instances include Game 7 of the 2022 Eastern Conference finals against the Boston Celtics, where Butler chose a late 3-pointer instead of a potential game-tying layup.
Despite the outcome, Butler remains steadfast in his approach, indicating that the next time he faces a similar decision, he will once again opt for the aggressive play to secure the win. The Heat will aim to rebound from this challenging stretch and regain their winning form in the upcoming games.