May 27, 2022; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Miami Heat guard Kyle Lowry (7) greets guard Victor Oladipo (4) and forward Jimmy Butler (22) during the second half in game six of the 2022 eastern conference finals at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
The Miami Heat were fined $25,000 for “bench decorum” during the team’s Game 6 win over the Boston Celtics.
The Miami Heat entered Boston on Friday on the brink of elimination. One more loss to the Celtics, and their season was over. Jimmy Butler ensured that there would be a Game 7, as his 47-points helped lead Miami to a 111-103 victory. But, the Heat were handed discipline by the league one day later.
On Saturday, the NBA fined the Heat $25,000 for team bench decorum. Here is what the league’s official statement had to say regarding the reason for the fine:
“On multiple occasions, several players stood for an extended period in Miami’s team bench area, stood away from the team bench, and were on, encroaching upon or entering the playing court during live game action in the Heat’s 111-103 win over the Boston Celtics in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals on May 27 at TD Garden.”
Heat fined $25,000 for team bench decorum during Game 6
Miami is not the first team to deal with bench decorum fines. The Dallas Mavericks were fined three times for this very issue throughout the playoffs, totaling $175,000.
In what was the most competitive game of the series, the Heat leaned upon Butler, who led the way with 47 points (16-of-29 from field), nine rebounds, eight assists and four steals. Kyle Lowry picked up a double-double by scoring 18 points (5-of-14 from field) and recording 10 assists in 37 minutes.
The Heat now return to Miami, looking to clinch their second NBA Finals berth in three years. Will they be able to do so? Or will the Celtics be able to pick up a huge victory on the road to win the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2010?