Jimmy Butler can boast of being a major player in the most beautiful sequences of the NBA for 4-5 years. In 2019, Jimmy Butler is playing for the Sixers when Kawhi Leonard registers his buzzer beater. In 2020, he is one of the heroes of the “bubble”, which he ends on the kneecaps, before cracking in the final against the Lakers. In 2022, he is the one who misses the winning shot to qualify the Heat for the NBA Finals. And that night, he scored three shots to almost send the Heat to the final, but he watched helplessly as Derrick White buzzer beater.
“It’s basketball in its purest form! It’s very, very, very entertaining. But it’s good basketball.” appreciates the Miami star. “I think, and even I believe, that like all of us, you have to pass the same test again before you pass it. We were in the same situation last year. We can do it. I know we will get there. We have to go outside and win in a very, very, very difficult environment. But we are capable! So let’s get to work! »
“When we got together after the game, after such a difficult defeat, everyone was smiling because we know we can do it”
Again, Butler takes responsibility for the loss. Even if he registered his three shots, and he has nothing to reproach himself for, he continues to think that Miami would not be there if he played at his best level.
“I told the guys that even if we played well or badly tonight, we still lost. So we still have work to do, and we stay in the same boat, home or away… Like I told the guys on the bench and in the dressing room, if I played better, we wouldn’t even be not in this position. Frankly, I think so. And I will play better. That’s what makes me smile, because these guys are following my example. So when I play better, I think we play better overall. »
Since he’s already been a part of some of the craziest endgames in recent years, does any part of him think he’s cursed?
” No ! I just have to find solutions. The craziest thing is that I don’t have much to do. We will do it collectively. We’re going to do it together, and I know we will. When we got together after the game, after such a difficult defeat, everyone was smiling because we know we can do it. I’m telling you, we’re not going to give up. I’m not going to let anyone give up. I’m not going to let our guys give up. No matter what happens, we’re going to go out there and win! »
