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NBA referee returns to Miami two years after making controversial Celtics-Heat call
MNBA referee Courtney Kirkland. David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

NBA referee returns to Miami two years after making controversial Celtics-Heat call

By Victor Barbosa  |  Last updated 4/29/24

NBA referee Courtney Kirkland was in the NBA replay center in Secaucus, New Jersey on May 29, 2022, when he was called upon to make a crucial call during Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat.

The call went against the Heat, and on Monday night, Kirkland will return to South Beach for Game 4 of the Celtics-Heat first-round playoff series. Boston leads the best-of-seven set 2-1.

Kirkland's call nearly two years ago didn't singlehandedly cost Miami a victory, but it was a huge turning point in the contest, which the Celtics ended up winning 100-96.

During the third quarter, former Heat small forward Max Strus connected on a three-pointer from the corner, only to have it overturned later. After a review, Kirkland concluded that Strus' heel was on the out of bounds line.

Strus (now playing with the Cleveland Cavaliers) addressed the call two days later, saying he didn't know "how that was called" after he saw the video, adding "they say they have that rule to take that rule out of the game and the human error makes an error on the video."

It wouldn't be a surprise to see Kirkland get a rude welcoming on Monday night for Game 4, especially from Heat fans who hold grudges.

Kirkland is in his 24th season as an NBA official, so should be plenty used to harsh treatment from fans.

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