How NBA Twitter Reacted to a Referee Supposedly Upset After Miami Heat’s Jimmy Butler Scored Against the Boston Celtics

Basketball fans always express dislike toward referees for some of the play calling that affects the game. But while some make baseless excuses for their teams losing, others may have legitimate complaints of referees favoring a particular team or player.

One video surfacing on Twitter shows an official reacting to Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler scoring against the Boston Celtics Wednesday night.

Remember when everyone was making fun of Miami Heat fans for whining about the refs… watch this
pic.twitter.com/nVUAcBla1l
— JoeRobbie (@JoeRobbie_) May 18, 2023

The referee looked displeased with Butler’s basket, raising some eyebrows from those on social media.

“This is appalling,” one user said. “The calls during the game are obvious too. Can’t touch Tatum. That’s why you beat them by 7+ because if it’s in the refs’ hands at the end of the game they’re going to give it to the Leprechauns. He should be removed from the series.”

This is appalling. The calls during the game are obvious too. Can’t touch Tatum. That’s why you beat them by 7+ cause if it’s in the refs hands at the end of the game they’re going to give it to the Leprechauns. He should be removed from the series.
— CoachBurns (@CoachKBurns) May 18, 2023

Adam silver pic.twitter.com/hw7wnHnzv0
— Rob Co (@musclepug54) May 18, 2023

pic.twitter.com/EWsGVeVPHR
— JoeRobbie (@JoeRobbie_) May 18, 2023

This is all speculation, and the referee’s reaction could very well have nothing to do with Butler scoring. However, given the history of officiating for Boston sports, it’s not surprising fans have these beliefs.

Their teams are always getting accused of referees pulling for them, especially in big moments of crucial games. These complaints would be empty accusations…if there wasn’t evidence to back it up. Even in Game 7 of last year’s conference finals, Heat shooting guard Max Strus had a 3-point shot that was removed after nearly five minutes, despite no clear evidence that it should’ve been withdrawn. The Heat narrowly lost, leaving some to believe that call was the dagger in their season.

Isn’t that the ref who’s family was photographed in full Celtics gear?
— Hugh Janus (@CarlosDaMonkay) May 18, 2023

Regardless of the officiating, the Heat were able to take victory to go up 1-0 in the series. Although that may change if Scott Foster is working the sidelines.

Jayden Armant is a contributor to Inside the Heat. He is a student at Howard University. He can be reached at jayden.armant@bison.howard.edu or follow him on Twitter @jaydenarmant.