Miami Jimmy Butler, the Miami Heat’s premier player, put on another outstanding effort in Sunday night’s 123-118 overtime victory over the Dallas Mavericks. The Heat forward talked about one area he focused on after speaking with Erik Spoelstra. He was outstanding against the Philadelphia 76ers and took that performance into a week later.
As he finished with 33 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists, Butler made 11 of 17 field goals and excelled at getting to the free-throw line, making 11 of 16 tries. After the game, he would express his desire to be more “aggressive,” as Spoelstra is constantly giving backstage advice.
“Whenever I’m aggressive like that, like the guys want me to be, like Spo always telling me to be,” Butler remarked, “I feel like I gotta start attacking more often.” For everyone else, it opens up a lot more. We’ll be good if I can lead that portion of the attack. The only thing left to do is figure out how to do it defensively.
Jimmy Butler of the Heat made the play that forced OT.
The dunk that knotted the game and forced overtime was one among the game’s many standout moments, as was Butler’s incredible behind-the-back, no-look jumper in the paint late in the fourth quarter. He would talk about it, compliment his head coach, and even give Duncan Robinson credit for the pass that went inbounds.
We’re going to overtime! Butler finds an open land to tie the game and Dallas can’t convert after. #HeatNation pic.twitter.com/tlk1jj2sJu
— Zachary Weinberger (@ZachWeinberger) November 25, 2024
“I’m just happy that we went to overtime and won, which is part of basketball,” Butler remarked. “Spo [Spoelstra] has gone insane.” I just noticed that he was chosen as the association’s finest coach. It makes sense, as he would be confined and studying like no one I’ve ever seen. And he came up with something amazing. And although it pains me to say it, Duncan made a fantastic pass.
Bam Adebayo on Jimmy Butler’s efforts and how the team feeds off of that.
“I mean, he’s a smart player, he makes the right play every time, we feed off that…” #HeatNation pic.twitter.com/ytDBAGkdDr
— Zachary Weinberger (@ZachWeinberger) November 25, 2024
The Heat star was doubtful going into Sunday’s game since he was sick and missed Saturday’s practice, but he was cleared to play on the day of the game and gave a fantastic performance.
Bam Adebayo praises Jimmy Butler of the Heat.
Heat center Bam Adebayo discussed after the game how his aggressive style and ability to set up his team “feed off of” him, and how a performance like that motivates the rest of the squad. With 19 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists, Adebayo would end the game.
He’s a very intelligent gamer, man. Adebayo remarked, “He always makes the right play.” Additionally, we can profit from it while it’s all setting up. As you might imagine, there are times when it’s Tyler, and other times it’s me. And at the moment, it’s him, and we support that.
Erik Spoelstra of the Heat on a critical quality of Jimmy Butler
Without a doubt, Butler’s entertaining, intense personality and outstanding ability on the court have helped him forge strong bonds with the other players over the past six seasons. During his post-game press conference, Spoelstra would discuss that, focusing on his “processing speed.”
“During our first year, he had the fastest processing speed in the highest percentile when the balls were in his hands.” He can slow things down in the moments of truth and bring this gruff physicality, intensity, and toe-the-line intensity. That’s what makes him distinct. Part of his genius is that. He isn’t merely lowering his head and colliding with people—just a dust cloud and three yards away. He’s keeping an eye out for any potential errors in the rotation. You know, that’s the type of stuff that clearly really good players enjoy. For example, Jokic is absorbing this while playing at a somewhat slower tempo. That’s a difficult ability.
Miami is currently 7-7 and will try to win three games in a row when the Milwaukee Bucks visit town on Tuesday night for NBA Cup group play.
