Just like in the aftermath of Game 4, Erik Spoelstra made it clear again that the Miami Heat have no valid excuses to present in their second-consecutive defeat this time against the Boston Celtics.
Spoelstra talked to the media in post-game and stressed out the Celtics are the much better team on both ends until the final buzzer.
He also denied the idea of Jimmy Butler’s knee issues being a factor in their recent loss.
“Look, we are not going to make any kind of deflection or excuse,” Spoelstra said, per NBC Sports’ Giselle Espinales. “Boston beat us tonight. There are guys that are far from 100% on both sides… This is intense competition. It’s playoff basketball…”
The Heat were dealing with some murmurs throughout the game due to their inconsistencies. From the last two occasions of the series, Butler only compiled a disappointing 19 markers in 7-of-32 shooting. On the other hand, Kyle Lowry has been a black hole on both ends so far against the Cs.
Collectively tonight for Miami, they had a rough time sinking their primary weapon in three-point shots, tallying a lowly 15.6 percent (7-45) from the area.
Despite these negative thoughts and numbers, Spoelstra looks forward for his club to bounce back and force a Game 7 back in South Beach.
“We have the kind of warriors that are going to tape up, brace up and do whatever we gotta do to get ready for the next one,” Spoelstra on the Heat’s attitude after the 93-80 loss, via insider Al Butler. “Embrace and enjoy the competition.”
The Heat are in deep waters heading to Boston for Game 6 on Friday, but Spoelstra looks determined that they’ll push a decisive sudden death match.
