Video: Celtics' Jeff Green hits buzzer-beating three over LeBron James to beat Heat
http://youtu.be/SA29ZsIrMjQ
Celtics forward Jeff Green hit a buzzer-beating three-pointer over LeBron James to defeat the Heat 111-110 in Miami on Saturday night.
With 0.6 seconds remaining and Miami leading 110-108, Boston's Gerald Wallace inbounded the ball from the left sideline. Green began the play at the left elbow, waiting as Jordan Crawford ran through a series of screens to pop out towards the top of the key. With the Heat expecting the ball to be inbounded to Crawford, Green peeled off towards the backside, hauling in a crosscourt pass from Wallace while setting himself up for a quick catch-and-shoot release.
Catching the ball in the right corner, Green launched quickly as he faded backwards and to his right, with James closing fast to get a hand up in his face. The buzzer sounded shortly after the ball left Green's hands, and it swished through as Green fell into the American Airlines Arena crowd. A video review confirmed that the shot was released prior to time expiring, and Green was mobbed by his teammates on the court in celebration.
Jeff Green hits the game-winning three-pointer over LeBron James. (Chris Trotman/Getty Images)
Green's heroics capped a wild final few seconds in a game that Miami let slip away. James gave the Heat a four-point lead with 3.6 seconds remaining, but a quick Wallace lay-up cut that lead to two. Dwyane Wade was then fouled with 0.6 seconds remaining, but he missed both free throws with a chance to ice the game, setting the stage for Boston's final possession.
RELATED: Jeff Green posterizes Jason Maxiell
The Heat's All-Star guard told reporters afterwards that he intentionally missed the second free throw to cut into Boston's remaining time. That strategic move clearly backfired when he wasn't able to hit the rim on his rushed attempt, leaving the full 0.6 seconds remaining on the clock and allowing the Celtics to advance the ball. What was he thinking? We'll never know.
http://youtu.be/qGObsdWNvpU
The game-winner offers Green a measure of revenge, as James sank a game-winning jumper over Green back in March to give the Heat their 23rd consecutive victory. Miami would go on to win 27 games in a row.
Green finished with a team-high 24 points (on 8-for-16 shooting), five rebounds and two assists in 36 minutes.
James led the Heat with 25 points (on 9-for-13 shooting), 10 assists and eight rebounds in a losing effort.
Boston improved to 3-4 with their third straight win. Miami dropped to 4-3 with the loss.
