The controversy regarding Saturday's game against the Los Angeles Clippers is over, as far as the NBA is concerned. The Heat has put the matter to rest publicly, but coach Erik Spoelstra respectfully disagrees with the league.
To recap: The Heat lost to the Clippers, 97-96. In the final 7.6 seconds, with the Heat trailing by one point, guard Dwyane Wade stole an inbounds pass from Baron Davis. As Wade was falling out of bounds he threw a pass downcourt, where Shawn Marion, Udonis Haslem and Daequan Cook all were running free for what would have been the game-winning dunk. But referee Courtney Kirkland inadvertently blew his whistle. According to league rules, an inadvertent whistle halts play. The refs awarded the ball to the Heat, and Wade missed a 27-foot shot as time expired. The Heat was livid after the game. Wade said the Heat had a victory but it was taken away.
The NBA said video showed that before Wade threw the pass his left shin touched Kirkland's waist while Kirkland was out of bounds. That means Wade was out of bounds and possession should have gone back to the Clippers.
So in reality the Clippers should have been livid that the Heat got another possession. The Heat maintains the video evidence is inconclusive.
"It depends on what angle you look at," Spoelstra said. "We have a couple of different angles that show Dwyane got it off before he touched (Kirkland).
"They made their decision. It's very unfortunate. We're not happy about it, but there were many other opportunities for us to win that game before it even got to that spot, and I think our team understands that."
HEAT 130, WARRIORS 129 (OT): Forward Michael Beasley hit one of two free throws with 3.6 seconds left to give the Heat an improbable victory at Oracle Arena.
The Heat trailed 127-123 with 18.4 seconds left in overtime, but guard Chris Quinn hit a 3-pointer to tie the game at 129-129 with 7.1 seconds left. Then, Beasley stole an inbounds pass from Andres Biedrins that was intended for Jamal Crawford. Beasley made the play because he failed to get back on defense.
"Coach told everybody to get back (on defense)," Beasley said. "I was the only one that didn't get back."
The Heat sent the game into overtime at 115-115 when forward Udonis Haslem converted a put-back at the buzzer at the end of regulation.
