The Miami Heat just pulled off a major upset in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs. The eighth-seeded Heat managed to knock out the number-one seed in the East, the Milwaukee Bucks. Given that this was a do-or-die game for Milwaukee with the Heat up 3-1, the Bucks just could not capitalize. With the Heat?s historic win over the Bucks, multiple legends and players are going berserk on social media, including Magic Johnson and Joel Embiid. Heat star Jimmy Butler has deservedly earned all the plaudits coming his way.
Butler put the team on his back to will them to victory even after the return of Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo. His performances over the entire series, especially the last two games, have the NBA world buzzing.
Jimmy Butler and the Heat pull off a huge upset
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The Milwaukee Bucks lost the game and the series in an overtime thriller to the Miami Heat. The game ended with a final score of 128-126. And despite a strong performance from Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton, it was the Heat who came to this game more determined to win.
Jimmy Butler put on a spectacular performance throughout the game, especially in the fourth quarter. Butler finished the game with 42 points, becoming the first Heat player in history with back-to-back 40 point games in franchise history.
COMEBACK: COMPLETE ✅
THE HEAT RALLY TO ELIMINATE THE BUCKS‼️ pic.twitter.com/9GZkqGc1Xd
— ESPN (@espn) April 27, 2023
The Heat were down 16 points and Butler put his team back in the game. Not only that, but Butler also hit a crucial shot to send the game into overtime.
There are a few people out there who are blaming the Bucks? head coach Mike Budenholzer for not calling a timeout when they had one left late in the fourth. Budenholzer did not even call a single timeout in the overtime period either.
I can’t believe he didn’t call a timeout at the end of the fourth. The fact he didn’t call one in OT was crazy. The fact he didn’t call a timeout with 4-5seconds left there in OT I don’t he should ever have a head coaching job again.
— James Apostolopoulos (@jamesmikeAP) April 27, 2023
But there are a few who are calling out Giannis Antetokounmpo as well. Though Giannis? 38 points and 20 rebounds game looks great on paper, he missed 13 out of his 23 free throws. The Greek Freak also had 7 turnovers in the game.
Giannis hits 65% of his FT attempts Milw wins … so yeah … the coach is to blame … this falls on Giannis … choke job
— Xander Huerta (@AlexHue87674139) April 27, 2023
Numerous NBA entities react to Heat’s win
As the Miami Heat took the series in a gentleman?s sweep, numerous players and NBA legends have reacted to it.
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Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson tweeted, ?I said at the beginning of the NBA Playoffs there would be some upsets and WOW. The Miami Heat upset the number one seed in the East, the Milwaukee Bucks!!?
I said at the beginning of the NBA Playoffs there would be some upsets and WOW. The Miami Heat upset the number one seed in the East, the Milwaukee Bucks!! 🤯
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) April 27, 2023
Even Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid commented, ?UNBELIEVABLE HOOPS.?
UNBELIEVABLE HOOPS
— Joel Embiid (@JoelEmbiid) April 27, 2023
Here are a few reactions from fans on Twitter.
Don't underestimate the power of determination and self-belief. The Miami Heat proved that even as underdogs, they can rise up to any challenge and achieve greatness. Keep pushing forward and never give up, because anything is possible if you believe in yourself.
— Carlos Gil (@carlosgil83) April 27, 2023
Jimmy Butler is the embodiment of hard work, determination, and resilience. He shows us that anything is possible with grit and passion. Keep pushing, keep striving, and never give up on your dreams. You can achieve greatness just like Jimmy!
— Lucas (@DlNWIDDIESTAN) April 27, 2023
Miami Heat legend and seven-time All-Star Alonzo Mourning also joined the mix as he was seen congratulating the Heat team as they came off the court.
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Alonzo Mourning congratulating every Heat player & staff member coming off the court. The Heat were down 16 in the 4th! Jimmy Butler just has the extra gear! SPECIAL SPECIAL OVERTIME WIN TO CLINCH THE SERIES! #NBA #NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/zZelGGioZ1
— Josh Moser (@TheMozKnowz) April 27, 2023
“You’re my hero.”
From one HEAT legend to another 🤝 pic.twitter.com/tBgSVxKHFV
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) April 27, 2023
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Now, the Miami Heat will go on to face the New York Knicks in the Semi-Finals of the Eastern Conference. And that will surely be a series to watch. Who do you think will come out on top? Let us know in the comments.