Q: On behalf of Heat Nation, who all wanted the Heat to not make the playoffs because we had no shot at beating the Bucks . . . we all apologize. Come on now, with Tyler Herro and Victor Oladipo out, Bam Adebayo hobbled, who could have predicted this? Jimmy Butler was simply amazing but everyone played their butts off. – Brian, Fort Lauderdale.
A: It is now 3 a.m. as I sit here, annoyingly typing while someone is trying to sleep in the hotel room next door, spending another night with my friend, Blue Moon, and I’m still having trouble processing both what happened tonight and in this series. It seems like between Giannis Antetokounmpo, Tyler Herro and Victor Oladipo, this was nothing but a week of writing about injuries. And in the last two games, I had deadline stories fully written about the Heat going down big in the fourth quarter and their season approaching the finish line. Even as Wednesday night turns to Thursday morning, I’m still not sure how the Bucks, the No. 1-seeded Bucks, could allow that to happen, even as Jimmy Butler ripped it out of their hands. The Heat not only beat the Bucks, they did it in five games. And yes, Giannis missed 2 1/2 of them, but they still had Jrue Holiday, Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez. Now, doubt the Heat at your own risk.
Q: I say take down that Michael Jordan jersey and replace it with Jimmy Butler’s now. – David, Plantation.
A: Or wait until Jimmy Butler is done and then put it up alongside those of Alonzo Mourning, Tim Hardaway, Shaquille O’Neal, Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade and LeBron James. (With it still somewhat in question about whether Goran Dragic will be afforded such an honor.) As it is, Michael Jordan’s No. 23 is tucked away on a non-illuminated wall next to Dan Marino’s No. 13, from an era when Pat Riley didn’t know the greatness that would follow in his own team’s colors.
Q: Have to admit, I was wrong about this team. I didn’t think they had the heart or determination to put up a fight in the playoffs, after an at-times lackadaisical regular season. What do you think changed for this team? Is it proving people wrong, do they relish the role of underdog or spoiler? – Michael, Southwest Ranches.
A: The playoffs happened. And then Playoff Jimmy Butler happened. And then Giannis Antetokounmpo was injured. And then Mike Budenholzer seemingly was off his game. This never was about heart or determination, it was about depth of talent. In the end, the Heat stepped up and showed they had more than some credited them for.
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