Udonis Haslem speaks to Dirk Nowitzki as he nearly fights Erik Spoelster in the 2011 NBA Finals.
While the former Miami Heat a veteran Udonis Haslem mentors sophomore center Kel’el Warehe tells revealing stories about the head coach Erik Spoelstra while facing the Hall of Fame forward Dirk Nowitzki and the Dallas Mavericks. Nowitzki, now Haslem’s NBA teammate on Prime Video, remembered who was late for his game-winning shot in Game 2 of the 2011 NBA Finals.
It was Haslem, who was too late to defend Nowitzki’s shot, but he had a revealing explanation, after a Heat timeout moments before the final play of Game 2, he said, per NBA on Prime.
“Game 2 of the 2011 Finals. The game is tied in the dying seconds. You drive to the basket for the game-winning fingertip shot. Who’s late to help out on defense?” Haslem asked, to which Nowitzki replied, “Oh my God, Udonis Haslem was on the basket.”
Then, Haslem made his mindset clear before the late defensive back flipped on Nowitzki after the Hall of Fame forward asked, “Why did you do that to me?”
“I’ll tell you the truth. Now, let me tell a story since you want to tell it. Me and Erik Spoelstra almost got into a fight,” Haslem revealed. “That was supposed to be my defensive assignment. And right before we got out of the huddle, Spo said, ‘Chris Bosh, you take Dirk.’
Dirk Nowitzki and the Mavs tied the series 1-1 before winning the next three of four games to defeat the Heat for their first and only championship.
Kel’el Ware reveals relationship with Heat legend Udonis Haslem
Thermal center Kel’el Ware openly accepts Udonis Haslem’s challenge after struggling to rebound during his second NBA season. Ware says Haslem has been supportive this season as the promising center continues to show growth for the Heat.
“I mean, it’s good, you know, to always have most people in my corner, you know, especially UD, who’s somebody who hangs on the bounce. After every game, he texts me and just listens to what he has to say. And I actually buy into that and want to get better myself,” Ware said.
Ware and the Heat beat the 76ers 127-117 on Sunday.
2025-11-23 21:28:00
