The Heat may have not only lost No. 7 on Wednesday, but also their leader Jimmy Butler. The All-Star wing injured his knee in the first quarter against the Sixers and there is doubt. On a feint, Butler fell to the ground, before Kelly Oubre in turn fell on his knee. Visibly embarrassed throughout the match, he nevertheless gritted his teeth to play the entire match, not without suffering shooting (5/18) in the defeat of his team.
“ I fell, he too and my knee didn't react well I guess » Butler deciphered the action, following which he still shot free throws in pain. “ I don't feel well, I can assure you. It felt like I barely could do anything, which sucks given the timing of this match and everything else. I hope it's gonna be all right. I hope I wake up tomorrow and I can still hang on. For the moment, I cannot say for sure. »
He penalized his team
Butler will have an MRI on Thursday, and The Athletic as ESPN suggests an injury to the internal lateral ligament. Even though he is one of the toughest players in the league, this could mean a premature end to the season for the former Sixers player. “ I hoped the adrenaline would return » he explained to justify remaining in the game. It was not the case. I couldn't do anything on both sides of the floor. I think it hurt us more than it actually helped us. »
Miami must now face the Bulls, easy winners of the Hawks, on Friday in a possible revenge of last season when the two teams had already crossed paths at this stage to obtain the last seat in the playoffs.
