Former NBA participant slams Miami Warmth for quitting in last minute of Finals

• The Denver Nuggets beat the Miami Warmth in Recreation 5 of the Finals to win their first championship.
• After lacking a late shot, the Warmth stopped making an attempt to steal the ball or foul.
• Jay Williams of ESPN stated it was an indication the Nuggets had stolen their “spirit.”

The legend of “Warmth Tradition” seemingly disappeared within the last moments of the NBA Finals, and one former participant was not completely satisfied about it.

With 17 seconds to play in Recreation 5, Miami Warmth star guard Jimmy Butler missed a possible game-tying three-pointer. That led to 2 free throws for the Denver Nuggets and a five-point lead. With 12 seconds to go, Warmth veteran Kyle Lowry missed one other three-pointer.

At this level, the Warmth stopped making an attempt. Their destiny was doubtless sealed after the Lowry miss, however with their complete season on the road, they did not attempt to steal the ball, they usually did not foul the Nuggets in an try to increase the sport.

This didn’t sit properly with former NBA participant and present ESPN analyst Jay Williams.

“It angers me,” Williams stated on ESPN’s “Get Up.” “I get that individuals thought the sport was over. However you are telling me that when Kyle Lowry took that final shot, and [the Nuggets] obtained the rebound, there have been 11 seconds on the clock. Eleven seconds on the clock, and also you’re down 5. I noticed [Heat forward] Duncan Robinson pull out his jersey. I noticed everyone began to stroll.”

As Williams continued to get labored up, he accused the Warmth of quitting. 

“That is once you knew Denver took their spirit,” Williams stated. “As a result of every other group, we have seen loopy comebacks! You are solely down 5 factors, and also you simply stop!”

Right here is the second in query. On the 11-second mark of this video, you’ll be able to see Robinson tugging on his jersey close to midcourt as Nuggets participant Kentavious Caldwell-Pope races previous him with the ball:

—NBA (@NBA) June 13, 2023

Warmth tradition disappeared ultimately

The Warmth have lengthy been lauded for being the top of group tradition within the NBA. They’ve confirmed they will win and not using a group filled with megastars as a result of everyone is aware of their roles and buys into the thought of at all times working arduous for the great of the group.

Earlier than the Finals, Warmth ahead Max Strus outlined “Warmth Tradition” and what it means to the gamers.

“It is the sacrifice to be right here and to provide in to what the group wants. I believe it is at its highest proper now,” Max Strus advised The Athletic. “All people’s given themselves to the group. Regardless of the group wants, and there is no ego about something proper now,” later including: ” That is Warmth tradition.”

Whereas that tradition obtained the underdog Warmth to the Finals, it seemingly escaped them on the finish. As Williams stated, perhaps it was an indication that the Nuggets had lastly damaged the Warmth’s spirit.