Jimmy Butler has no regrets about taking controversial three-pointer: 'My teammates liked it' / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: AFP-Scanpix Credit AFP-Scanpix

Jimmy Butler gave the Boston Celtics a hard-time in chasing their first NBA Finals berth since 2010.

Player of the Game EFF 26 Jayson Tatum Points 26 Accuracy 9-21 Rebounds 10 Assists 6

The six-time All-Star managed to lead the scoring charts in clutch Game 7 at FTX Arena but could not change the Miami Heat's fate. Having scored a game-high 35 points in Game 7, Butler had the opportunity to close out the game with roughly 20 seconds remaining on the clock and his team being down by just two points.

In a transition play, the Miami Heat star decided to fire a game-winning shot from downtown. However, he the ball bounced back hitting the rim, as the Heat lost 100-96.

Butler's decision to shoot a three-point shot instead of attacking the basket became a talking point after the game, with Celtics guard Jaylen Brown being the first to share his thoughts in that moment.

"When he shot that, I was like, man, what the hell?," Brown to the media. "But he missed, we get the rebound and move on."

Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said he had no issue with Butler's decision.

"I thought it would have been an incredible storyline for Jimmy to pull up and hit that three," Spoelstra said. "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, who finished with 13/24 from the field, 9 rebounds and played all 48 minutes in Game 7, had no regrets about the shot.

"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."

Nevertheless, he did have something to comment on his performance.

"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."

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