ASK IRA: Did Friday eclipse even some of the Heat’s Big Three playoff accomplishments?

Q: Holy [bad word], how the [bad word] did that just happen? What a [bad word-ing] performance by Jimmy Butler and the Heat. Tell the players that Heat Nation never gave up. This was even better than the Big Three. Those guys were supposed to win. What [bad word-ing] happened in Boston was amazing. How the [bad word] did that happen. [Bad word] Boston. – Eddie.

A: Clearly, the first thing I need to do when I get back is check that email filter. Jeez. But I also understand (there were more colorful words, but I truncated for the family crowd). And I believe you make a cogent point. With LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, the Big Three Heat were expected to win, including when they were down 3-2 in those 2012 East finals. But this was a beaten-up team, seemingly on life support, after two ugly losses. What I would say is that no matter Sunday’s result, appreciate and soak in this one for all it was worth. It was a heck of a show.

Q: This has been a great season. Looking at their roster and even going forward they probably have the fourth or fourth most-talented roster in the East behind the Celtics, Bucks, Nets, and Sixers. – Joel, Fort Lauderdale

A: No, don’t do that. The same could be said about this season, and the Heat wound up as one of the last three teams standing (maybe even better). It’s about more than talent; it’s about chemistry. That is what the Heat emphasize – building a team that works. That has not been the case with the Nets or 76ers, with the Celtics only this season truly coalescing behind Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Doubt Pat Riley and Andy Elisburg at your own risk. And, of course, it eventually will come down to playoff success, as it always does. No, the Heat won’t be a sexy pick in 2022-23, but it has been years since that has been the case, and they’ve still made two of the past three Eastern Conference finals, a perhaps as many NBA Finals in those three years.

Q: Ira, the Celtics have two studs in Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, and two great defensive players in Robert Williams and Marcus Smart. Then add in Al Horford. The discrepancy in talent is glaring. – J.E.

A: Yes, especially when Jimmy Butler and Kyle Lowry were hurting. But when they’re not, or at least able to push through, it’s a different story, as Friday night showed. In Game 6, the Heat had two of the best players on the court.