The Miami Heat got away with a narrow 103-102 win against the Detroit Pistoins in their season opener for the 2023-24 NBA season on Wednesday at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida.
Although the NBA Finals runners-up had a comfortable 19-point lead in the fourth quarter, they nearly let the game slip away as the Pistons scored 14 consecutive points, narrowing the gap significantly.
In the final moments, Detroit forward Cade Cunningham had an opportunity to clinch the game for the Pistons, attempting a 30-foot game-winning shot as the clock ran out. However, the shot hit the back of the iron, allowing the Heat to narrowly hold on for the win.
Reflecting on the intense season opener, Butler expressed his enthusiasm for such closely contested games.
"That's how we like to play. We play close games. We've done that every year I've been here it seems. A win is a win," the 34-year-old said.
Erik Spoelstra reacts on nearly blowing the game
Despite the scare, Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra liked what he saw from his players in their first game of the regular season,"
"I loved it. I loved the emotion tonight. I loved the energy. A lot of great things. A lot of great contributions," the 52-year-old tactician said.
The Heat proudly hoisted their 2023 Eastern Conference title banner to the rafters of the Kaseya Center before the start of the game.
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