Jan 10, 2023; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) celebrates with guard Victor Oladipo (4) after scoring against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the fourth quarter at FTX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rich Storry-USA TODAY Sports
NBA: Oklahoma City Thunder at Miami Heat
On Tuesday, the Miami Heat went for a NBA record 40-40 on free throws to beat the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Heat won by a single point, toppling the Thunder 112-111.
Jimmy Butler scored the final free throw of the night after getting fouled and completing a three point play after getting fouled on his lay up with less than 13 seconds left to play. It was the deciding point for the Heat to come out on top.
The Heat shattered the previous record held by the Utah Jazz who sank 39 of 39 free throws in 1982. Butler himself tied Dominique Wilkins for the second most free throws without missing with 23 attempts converted, second to only James Harden and Dirk Nowitzki. “Jimmy was relentless with his attacks,” coach Heat coach Eric Spoelstra reflected after the game.
Spoelstra commended his team’s performance: “It’s just a normal Tuesday night for the Miami Heat. I think this is when we feel most alive, when everything just happens and when all of our competitive juices get out there. That’s the team we all can relate to. That’s the team I like.”
Miami has been battling injuries in their first team, forcing them to start four undrafted players. “Still came out on top,” the Heat’s Twitter page boasted.
“We’ve been a very good free-throw shooting team all year, but that’s crazy,” Spoelstra added.
At 22-20, the Heat host the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday night.
