On Wednesday, the Miami Heat took a commanding 2-0 series lead over the Milwaukee Bucks in the second round of the Eastern Conference Playoffs.
Steady performances from Goran Dragic and Tyler Herro pushed Erik Spoelstra’s squad past Giannis Antetokounmpo in game two. However, the game will be remembered for a pair of controversial foul calls in the final moments of the contest.
With 7.7 seconds remaining, the Heat led the game by three points when Khris Middleton pulled up for a deep attempt from beyond the arc over Dragic. Referee Marc Davis called a foul on the Miami guard, sending Middleton to the free-throw line with a chance to tie the game.
Via @SportsCenter on Twitter:
Middleton drew three free throws to tie the game 😱 pic.twitter.com/BudxqqXtOp
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 3, 2020
The Bucks All-Star wing knocked down all three free throws, tying the game at 114 with 4.3 seconds remaining. On the next possession, another whistle was blown. As Jimmy Butler pulled up for a jumper at the buzzer, Antetokounmpo was called for a shooting foul.
Via @BleacherReport on Twitter:
Jimmy Butler wins Game 2 at the line after a last second foul. WOW. pic.twitter.com/4LfyRqCL3T
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 3, 2020
With the clock sitting on double-zeros, Butler buried a free throw to seal Miami’s game two victory.
Jimmy Butler hits the free throw for the win! pic.twitter.com/7L5cGaUwSi
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 3, 2020
After the game, a member of the Golden State Warriors chimed in on Twitter with thoughts on the “tough” late foul calls. While he’s had his fair share of battles with officiating in the past, Draymond Green tweeted the referees were “probably right” on each call.
Via @Money23Green on Twitter:
Wow that’s two tough calls right there… probably right on both though
— Draymond Green (@Money23Green) September 3, 2020
Green’s former Golden State teammate Andre Iguodala added four points on 1-of-2 shooting from the field with two rebounds and two assists in 11 minutes against Milwaukee.
Iguodala, Butler and the Heat will lace up for the chance to move to a 3-0 lead in the series against the Bucks on Friday at 3:30 P.M. PT.
