Jimmy Butler, MVP Jimmy Butler, is now the Golden State Warriors’ third best player. On Tuesday, he will take the court against his old club, the Miami Heat. Butler is headed into a highly anticipated showdown. Still, he’s been trying to downplay the significance of his return to Miami, labeling it “just another game.” The former Miami superstar was dealt out West to the Warriors just ahead of the trade deadline. Today, he’s equally laser-focused on delivering a championship performance for his new team.
"Another game for me, another game that we're expected to win for sure," Butler commented, emphasizing his commitment to the Warriors.
Butler’s playoff run with the Heat was unprecedented. In five and a half seasons as head coach, he brought the team to two NBA Finals. His exit from Miami wasn’t without controversy. Reflecting on his time with the Heat, Butler remarked, "We were alright," and acknowledged that while they had some success, they did not achieve all their goals.
"We didn't win nothing like we were supposed to. So I dunno. We made some cool runs. We had some fun. I think that's all we did," he stated.
Since arriving to the Warriors on February 8, Butler has been key for the Warriors during their sparkling 16-4 run. Butler, with Stephen Curry out of commission for now, knows they must get used to the new normal fast and keep their winning ways intact.
"So we got to figure it out very quickly [without Curry]," Butler added.
Butler’s homecoming to Miami should create a lot of buzz, as it will be the first meeting against former Timberwolves Andrew Wiggins and Kyle Anderson. Both players featured prominently in the recent Hazen Deal. As tempting as the emotional storylines of going against his former team would be, Butler says he’s not concerned about any backlash from Miami fans.
"I'm a member of the Golden State Warriors. I love that fan base. They showed me a lot of love while I was there. But I'm there to win now. I'm on the opposing team," Butler expressed.
Butler is no stranger to playing against his former teams. He’s already battled Chicago, Philadelphia, and Minnesota since departing them.
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