May 25, 2022; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) brings the ball up court during the fourth quarter of game five of the 2022 eastern conference finals against the Boston Celtics at FTX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports
Although Jimmy Butler isn’t actively participating in the Eastern Conference first-round series between the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat, his presence on the sidelines is making a significant impact on the team’s mindset.
Speaking with Chris Haynes on TNT just before Saturday’s tipoff, Butler was asked if he had a message for Heat fans who might be skeptical about the team’s chances against the Celtics without him in the lineup. Butler brushed off the question and instead directed his comments towards the national media, criticizing their lack of faith in the Heat’s ability to succeed.
“I think we believe. It’s everybody else that don’t,” Butler remarked. “If I got to hear one more praise about Boston on national TV when we win a game, I’m tired of hearing that, man. It’s 1-1, we’re gonna go up 2-1.”
Butler’s assertion is backed by the Heat’s recent performance. Despite his absence, they secured a 111-101 victory in Boston during Game 2, surpassing the expectations of many analysts who had predicted a tough challenge against the Eastern Conference’s top seed. This triumph, achieved without Butler, is likely to fuel the Heat with even greater confidence moving forward.
