Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler drives to the basket against Boston Celtics guard Derrick White during the first half of Game 7 of the 2022 Eastern Conference Finals at FTX Arena. Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Jimmy Butler misses big 3-pointer at end of Game 7

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Larry Brown | Last updated 5/30/22

Jimmy Butler helped carry his Miami Heat to a Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals this postseason. But he was unable to drag them across the finish line.

Butler’s Heat trailed for the entire game but made it a one-possession contest in the final minute after a 3-pointer by Max Strus. Boston had a chance to extend their lead, but Marcus Smart missed a layup with under 22 seconds left to keep the score at 98-96.

Butler got the rebound and brought the ball up the court. He then decided to shoot for the lead and attempted a 3-pointer with 16.6 seconds left. He missed the shot and Boston got the rebound.

Good or bad shot by Jimmy Butler?

pic.twitter.com/YM6bhfcDPK

— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) May 30, 2022

Should Butler have attempted that shot for the lead or just tried for an easier 2-point basket to tie the game? That’s what many are debating. One factor is that he had a clean look.

Looking back at it, I don't hate the Jimmy Butler three. Horford was playing way off of him to stop the drive. Would've been a contested drive.

Gotta take the wide open soul-crusher when you get the chance, just seems bad because he missed it. pic.twitter.com/WO7wIwmSQL

— Jeff Ermann (@Jeff_Ermann) May 30, 2022

His coach Erik Spoelstra also thought the shot was going in.

Erik Spoelstra said he loved the shot from Jimmy Butler.

"When it left his hand, I thought it was going down."

— Five Reasons Sports (@5ReasonsSports) May 30, 2022

The shot missed and Boston’s Smart made both his free throws to put his team up 100-96. That was the final score as the Celtics advanced to the NBA Finals.

Butler finished 13-for-24 shooting for 35 points. He made 1-for-4 from deep in the game, missing a huge one at the end.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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