The Washington Wizards just beat the Miami Heat 108-110 at their home ground and the result has left fans in shock. The Wizards were recently officially eliminated from playoff contention, and it is surprising to see that they beat last year’s finalists. Jimmy Butler and Co. have struggled to win games consistently, and the Wizards game was yet another example of that.
Kyle Kuzma was the standout player for the Wizards, making 32 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists. The former NBA champ’s shot conversion was quite subpar though when he shot at 9-23 and 39.1 FG%. Corey Kispert also contributed decently in the scoring department, making 22 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists. The Wizards’ overall shot conversion was the major difference between the two teams.
Jimmy Butler speaks about Wizards loss in post-game interview
Jimmy Butler is undoubtedly the leader of the Heat team. The way he led the charge in last year’s playoffs is enough to claim that he is one of the biggest stars in the NBA right now. Against the Wizards, Butler made 23 points, 3 rebounds and 4 assists. Although he truly charges up in the postseason, he has shown glimpses of what he’s capable of in the regular-season as well.
“This game is just very humbling. If you don’t come out with the right mindset, this is what will happen and continue to happen.”
“I’m never going for the tie. Ever”
Jimmy Butler on the Wizards game. pic.twitter.com/vZ5sDlToo3
— 𝙃𝙀𝘼𝙏 𝙉𝘼𝙏𝙄𝙊𝙉 (@HeatvsHaters) March 11, 2024
After losing to the Wizards, Butler said, “This game is just very humbling. If you don’t come out with the right mindset, this is what will happen and continue to happen.” When asked about whether he was going for the tie in the last-minute, Butler also mentioned, “I’m never going for the tie. Ever.”
The Heat star admits that his team failed to sustain the right mindset during the game. He believes that the Heat let the Wizards’ shooters free at times, which cost them dearly in a game that they should have won.
Both Duncan Robinson and Butler miss potential game-winners
With just 5 seconds left on the clock, Duncan Robinson went for a three-pointer over Bilal Coulibaly after receiving a pass from Terry Rozier. But Robinson hit the rim and the ball bounced back to Butler. The 6x NBA All-Star went for a three-pointer without any hesitation as well, but he missed right when the buzzer went off.
Wizards stun the Heat as Duncan & Jimmy can’t hit the game winner pic.twitter.com/u5RPntEFCc
— Oh No He Didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) March 11, 2024
It surely wasn’t a good day for Butler, who went 0-4 from the three-point line. The superstar isn’t known to be a phenomenal shooter but he has been quite decent from range this season. In 45 games so far, Butler has been averaging 42.5% of the three-pointers he shoots. Although he shoots less than three from deep per game, he manages to make at least one on each occasion.
Butler has stepped up for the Heat when they needed him, which must’ve been on his mind when he went for the game-winner as well. It is part of basketball when players miss, and fans can be sure that Butler will continue to take clutch shots in the future as well.