By Mike Brennan
The issue started when Jimmy Butler was fouled by Al Horford from the 3-point line in the closing seconds of the game.
Based on video replays, there were less than three seconds left on the clock when Butler was fouled by Horford. The clock actually stopped at the 2.1-second mark, though the foul and the whistle occurred a bit earlier.
However, it surprised everyone when officials brought back the clock to three seconds.
Many argued that it should have been less than that considering that the ball was still in play at the three-second mark prior to the whistle. Heat fans even brought out the receipts to make their point.
The clock issue, of course, is important because it really made the difference in the Heat’s narrow 104-103 defeat. To recall, Derrick White was able to make a putback shot before the buzzer sounded to lead the Celtics to victory. Nonetheless, had the clock been at less than three seconds, it would probably be Miami celebrating right now.
FWIW, foul occurred with 2.8 left on clock. Whistle blew at 2.4. Why did refs round up to 3? @PlaybookSN pic.twitter.com/Ki8I3tddKd
— Zak🔥🐬 (@ThaCreekFreak) May 28, 2023
