Watch: Referee caught FRUSTRATED with Jimmy Butler mid-game on a tough shot, fans reckon his money’s on the line
NBA Twitter felt the referees had their own agenda as Jimmy Butler led the Miami Heat to victory in game 1
Follow Us
Jimmy Butler
The Miami Heat came from behind to get a road win in game 1 against the Boston Celtics, and Jimmy Butler‘s heroics helped them secure the win. However, during the match, a referee was spotted somewhat disappointed when Butler made yet another incredible shot to will Miami to victory. The Heat won 123-116 thanks to a 35-point performance from Jimmy Butler.
In a video uploaded by a fan on Twitter, the referee is seen making a rather annoyed face after Jimmy Butler made his shot which had fans speculating about the loyalties of the referee. The Boston Celtics did attempt 29 free throws compared to Miami’s 19, but the Heat shot better from the stripe and three-point range in a turnaround victory.
The Miami Heat shot 51% from three-point range, with Kyler Lowry, Max Strus, and Gabe Vincent all scoring 15 points on three made 3-pointers. The Heat were down by as many as 13 points during the game and required a stunning 46-point third-quarter performance to tip the scales in their favor. Jayson Tatum did not attempt a single field goal in the fourth quarter, eventually leading to the Celtics losing at home for the sixth time these playoffs.
The referee’s reaction to Jimmy Butler produced some interesting responses from NBA Twitter
The reaction came from during the first quarter of the game where Jimmy Butler scored 12 of his 35 points. Butler also averages the highest first quarter points per game amongst all remaining playoff players at 11.1. One fan insinuated the referee was betting on the game, saying – “He lost some money, that’s why lol.” NBA referees have been known for betting on games in the past such as Tim Donaghy who served jail time for the same.
One fan claimed that the referee was just in awe of how tough the shot was, saying – “Or he’s just reacting to a tough bucket?” Butler made numerous contested layups as the Celtics threw all defenders on him, from Jayson Tatum to the mismatched Robert Williams, and Butler did not shy away from the contest. Butler is the leading points-per-game scorer in these playoffs, and these tough layups make up most of his game.
Some fans feel that the referees are frustrated that Jimmy Butler is ruining the chance of a Los Angeles Lakers – Boston Celtics final this year, as one of them tweeted – “Jimmy and Jokic are threatening to jeopardize NBA’s script of Celtics Lakers finals.” Nikola Jokic and Jimmy Butler are the two playoffs PPG leaders as both their teams enjoy a 1-0 series lead against the Lakers and the Celtics.
In case you missed it:
Do follow us on Google News | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Stay Updated!
Anuj Shrikanth Iyer
(290 Articles Published)