The Miami Heat have had a tough up-and-down season, but they are currently the seventh team in the East with a 35-32 record.
As the postseason gets closer and closer, every win is vital for the team.
On Friday night, head coach Erik Spoelstra made it very clear just how determined he was to win.
Spoelstra pleaded with his team to get Jimmy Butler open in the fourth quarter of a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, with the Heat up by just one point.
With an intense face and obvious hand gestures, Spoelstra was demanding his team gives Butler an option to score.
Spoelstra: "GET HIM OPEN!"
Jimmy, probably: Say less 👉 pic.twitter.com/ckpXH1ep8r
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) March 11, 2023
The moment was caught on camera for all fans to see.
Butler eventually received the ball and found a way to put up a two-pointer, increasing Miami’s lead by a bit more and bringing them closer to their eventual 119-115 victory over the Cavs.
Following the game, fans of the Heat commented on Spoelstra’s passionate plea to his team.
MARCO. on Twitter praised the partnership of Spoelstra and Butler.
They have now been together for a few years in Miami and seem to work well as a unit, although they have fallen short of winning a championship.
“Erik Spoelstra & Jimmy Butler go perfect together,” the Twitter user said.
Erik Spoelstra & Jimmy Butler go perfect together https://t.co/Ay8Y9eyki7
— MARCO. (@PaBliToDaDoN) March 11, 2023
Fan CeltsHive understood why Spoelstra was so eager to get the ball to Butler, noting that he “might have the most lethal game-winning middy of all time.”
Jimmy butler might have the most lethal game winning middy of all time
— CeltsHive (@NbaLogical) March 11, 2023
Others like L7square.eth took time to celebrate Spoelstra, who has “been studying the game at the highest level for years.”
It is true that Spoelstra has been a part of the game for a very long time, first joining the Heat as an assistant coach in 1997 and leading them as the head coach since the 2008-09 season.
Coach Spo knows what he's talking about. He's been studying the game at the highest level for years.
— L7square.eth (@Steeve__Oh) March 11, 2023
Twitter user more ice made the fair point that even though the Heat actually didn’t get Butler as open as Spoelstra requested, the player was still able to put up and sink his shot.
They didn’t get Jim open and still made the shot
— more ice 🍨 (@Maurice1Charles) March 11, 2023
This viral moment from Friday night shows Spoelstra’s intense intent to win and his belief in his biggest star.
NEXT: Kevin Love Comments On Playing With Jimmy Butler
