For Erik Spoelstra, the recent incident and eventual recovery of their mascot in Burnie against former UFC Champion Connor McGregor only add up to the embodiment of their Miami Heat culture – which they truly need as they are currently trailing the 3-1 series advantage of the Denver Nuggets in the 2023 NBA Finals.
“That’s the Miami Heat toughness that we’re talking about,” Spoelstra said about Burnie, sparking laugher in the press room on Sunday. “He should have been allowed to take the first swing (over McGregor). We won’t reveal who that is, but he’s tough. He take a punch and get back up.
“He’s not going to miss any time.”
Sam Amick of The Athletic reported on Saturday that the man behind Burnie took urgent medical attention and was brought to the emergency room after landing from a powerful left hook against McGregor back in Game 4 of the title series. After being handed pain medication, the man was sent home and is doing well now.
McGregor was in attendance at the Friday match and executed the scripted act in the third frame as part of the promotion of his pain relief spray product right in front of the sold-out Kaseya Center crowd.
McGregor’s actions drew plenty of mixed reactions from the fans, which are mostly negative. The MMA star is yet to release his statement about what happened.
Burnie’s anticipated return can only happen if the Heat will still be able to force Game 6 back home. The club is set to enter a pivotal Game 5 on Monday with the Nuggets having the chance to wrap up the championship series.
