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Warriors’ Steve Kerr Shows Admiration for Jimmy Butler for Almost Scoring the Series Deciding Shot vs Celtics in Game 7

Published 05/31/2022, 11:31 PM EDT

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USA Today via Reuters

The Boston Celtics came out of a tough Game 7 against the Miami Heat to make it to the NBA Finals. However, there was a good chance for the Heat to steal the game away in the dying moments of regulation. Down by just three points, Jimmy Butler had the ball in his hand.

While he was the best player on the court by a mile that night, many had mixed reactions to his three-point attempt in the final moments. However, it seems Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr thinks otherwise. He felt it was a gutsy move by Butler after he led a comeback to make the game competitive in the first place.

Despite being one step off the finals, Butler was one of the best players in the 2022 playoffs. He carried most of the burden for the Miami Heat as he played stellar basketball on both ends of the floor. After an injury led him to play badly in three games, the pressure was back on Jimmy to deliver. Not only did he put up one of his greatest performances to force a Game 7, but he continued his momentum in the win-or-go-home game. But luck did not favor him.

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After leading an impressive comeback, Butler took a shot that left many fans confused. But Kerr said he loved his choice to take the shot in Game 7 against the Celtics.

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Steve Kerr is not against Jimmy Butler taking the last shot against the Celtics

In a pivotal Game 7, a Max Strus three cut the game down to two points between the Heat and Celtics. Boston was running cold and had fumbled the game in the end moments before. And it seemed like it was about to happen again. Their offense was not able to hit back as Marcus Smart missed a layup attempt on the other end.

With the ball in Butler’s hands, he had an opportunity to tie the game up. However, he decided to go for glory and took a three to potentially take the lead. But he came up short and the Heat couldn’t complete their comeback from thereon.

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Many NBA analysts and players have given Butler a firing for making that move. But while most called it foolish, Kerr thought it was great from Butler. He said: “Loved it. Down 13 with 3 minutes left and your team’s been beaten to a pulp with injuries. You make a comeback like that? I love it. Go for it. I know it didn’t go, but I love the guts.”

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There is no doubt Butler could have made a different play and gone for the tie. However, he had it going for himself on that night scoring 35 points efficiently. After leading a resounding comeback, Jimmy had confidence on his back. In addition, he got a good look from beyond the arc.

Seeing the opportunity to go up, Butler did not hesitate. He even said his teammates loved the shot he took and that’s what it comes down to. Everyone on the Heat had their trust in Butler, but unfortunately, he came up short in a rare sight.

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Kerr recognizes the value Butler brought to the Heat in their comeback effort. Not being new to taking the big shots, Kerr understood his mentality and hence, knows it was a great move. What did you think of Butler’s call to take that final shot? Let us know in the comments below.

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Written by:

Anuj Talwalkar

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Anuj Talwalkar is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports. He is a student studying at NM College in Mumbai, aspiring to pursue sports management to follow his love for sports. Anuj started following the NBA last year, and he loves to combine his passion for writing with his understanding of basketball.
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Edited by:

Veer Badani