When the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat faced off in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals on May 29, 2022, NBA referee Courtney Kirkland was at the NBA replay center in Secaucus, New Jersey, and he was asked to make a critical call.
Kirkland will return to South Beach for Game 4 of the Celtics-Heat first-round playoff series on Monday night after the call went against the Heat. In the best-of-seven set, Boston is ahead 2
Among the crew today is Courtney Kirkland, who two years ago, when serving as the replay official in Secaucus, declared Max Strus to be out of bounds in Game 7.
Although Kirkland’s call almost two years ago didn’t cause Miami to lose, it was a major turning moment in the game, which the Celtics ultimately won 100-96.
Max Strus, a former small forward with the Heat, attempted a three-point shot from the corner during the third quarter, but it was subsequently ruled invalid. Kirkland reviewed the situation and determined that Strus’ heel was on the out-of-bounds line.
Two days after seeing the film, Strus—who is currently with the Cleveland Cavaliers—answered the call, stating that he had no idea “how that was called” and that “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 shocking if Kirkland received a rough welcome for Game 4 on Monday night, particularly from resentful Heat supporters.
Kirkland has been an NBA official for 24 seasons, so he should be accustomed to the negative behavior of the crowd.
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