Emotions non-sports fans don't get

3 seconds to go in game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals. The Celtics 2 points ahead. They have to win or they're out.

A foul was called on Al Horford. Two free throws for Miami's star player, Jimmy Butler. He was sure to convert them. Top players thrive in high-pressure situations.

So the Celtics appealed. Hoping to get the decision reversed.

Disaster.

Butler was in the act of shooting. From behind the three-point line. Granting him an extra free shot.

1-2-3. Like clockwork. The Heat's star man scored with each throw.

This was it. The C's valiant fightback from 3-0 down in the series was too little too late. 3.0 seconds would allow for one shot and one only. Boston had failed twice already in an earlier playoffs series in a similar situation against Philadelphia.

They, we (I'm a C's guy, after all), were out. Hearts broken. Devastated.

Of all the players to shoot that final shot, the last one we wanted was Marcus Smart. He was the guy who'd failed... twice... against the 76ers. Just a couple of weeks ago.

His shot was better this time. It... went... in... but suddenly, inexplicably, bounced back out.

That's it we thought. Tears already welling up ready to be cried.

But Derrick White reached up, managing to tip the ball back down through the hoop.

YES! YES! YES! Fists punching the air.

But, no, he hadn't had time to make the final play before the buzzer sounded. Surely?

The officials checked. And there in red is that beautiful number, 0.1. A tenth of a second. HE'D DONE IT!

From devastation to joy to devastation to joy.

Talk about emotional rollercoasters.

All in the matter of a few seconds.

Onto game seven.

People who don't follow sports will never understand.