Iconic moments
Jimmy Butler has picked up the ideals of Mr. Big Shot that made Chauncey Billups’ run to a title so memorable. He is ninth in the bubble in clutch scoring this postseason and ranks behind only Jamal Murray and Anthony Davis of those still playing. Funny enough though, the iconic moments for each team came on the other end of the floor.
Much has been made of the block by Bam Adebayo on Jayson Tatum in the waning moments of overtime in Game 1 of the series and rightfully so. The bend on Adebayo’s wrist was astounding and for a young All-Star making his name in the league iconic moment should open the eyes of some fans who only pay attention to the box score.
The chase down blocks often get the accolades more than the face-up type and the signature moment of the Pistons’ title run includes just that. This time the defensive wizardry came in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals and the Pistons were trailing the Indiana Pacers in the series. The Pistons were only up two with 24 seconds remaining.
The Indiana Pacers stole the ball from Chauncey Billups and Reggie Miller drove the court and slowed up at the end, only to be caught by Tayshaun Prince. And the rest is history. Detroit would win the series in six games en route to the NBA Championship.
Is an NBA title in the Miami Heat’s immediate future? It is tough to say. The return of Gordon Hayward has compromised the zone defense for the team and the winner of the Western Conference, whoever it may be, would present quite the challenge should the Heat get past the Celtics. But there is clearly a precedent here and if the Heat can mirror the success of the Goin’ to Work Detroit Pistons the future is undoubtedly bright, even if it is in an unorthodox fashion.