Almost no one saw the Miami Heat, narrowly qualified in the playoffs, advancing to the NBA Finals. Star player Jimmy Butler, however, considers that his team has reaped the rewards of work that has spanned several years.
In 2022, the Florida formation had bowed out in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals, against the Boston Celtics. A year later, the Heat avenged themselves in fine fashion by triumphing 103-84 in such a situation, taking an appointment with the Denver Nuggets in the Finals.
With another strong performance in Game 7, Butler once again inspired the confidence of his teammates.
“It’s hard to quantify the confidence he instills in everyone,” praised head coach Erik Spoelstra, according to the ESPN network. He can be scary, but he knows how to have the delicacy to restore a teammate’s confidence. It’s the most unique talent he has.”
In Butler’s eyes, his close bond with the rest of the Heat players is the result of a culture that has grown over the years in Miami.
“When a guy is injured, another can replace him, do exactly what he was doing at a great level, and then be humble enough to give him back when he is ready to return to the game, he detailed. Nobody complains. Everyone follows the guidelines, and that’s why we earn so much and it’s so fun to play with a group like that.
“I don’t refer to these athletes as role players, but as teammates, since your role can change at any time.”
In 17 playoff games this season, Butler averaged 28.5 points, seven rebounds and 5.7 assists per game. Something to inspire former Toronto Raptors star Kyle Lowry.
“He’s playing at a phenomenal level,” he said. He is never angry if a teammate tries his luck at the basket; he wishes everyone success and wants to win no matter what. He can do everything on his own at times, but he knows he needs help sometimes and he allows us to support him.
Butler wants to spoil Coco Gauff
A far cry from Miami and Denver, American tennis darling Coco Gauff has also made Butler look good.
A Heat fan, she was inspired by the resilience of the Florida club, which was undeterred after seeing the Celtics tie the game in the semi-finals.
She even thought of Butler and the Heat when she came back against Rebeka Masarova at Roland-Garros, winning 3-6, 6-1 and 6-2.
“I figured if Jimmy Butler didn’t lose his temper when the Celtics leveled the series, I shouldn’t lose mine after losing the first inning.”
A symbol of Butler’s confidence, he personally invited her to the NBA Finals…before the playoffs started.
“Before the playoffs, he offered me tickets at the end of the regular season […]. I told him: ‘I won’t be there, I’ll be in Madrid, Rome and France.’” He then told me that he was going to give tickets to my family and me when the Heat reached the final. »