Erik Spoelstra defended Jimmy Butler’s Game 5 struggles after their 112-103 loss to the New York Knicks at the Madison Square Garden on Wednesday.
“Yeah, it’s the playoffs,” the Miami head coach explained. “Sometimes you’re not going to get all the clean looks that you would like. But you gotta figure out how to get the job done even if you win it ugly.”
Butler finished with 19 points, his first outing in five games where he had less than 20 points to show for. He was 5-of-12 from the field and the Knicks used the window to their advantage to force a Game 6.
It should be worth noting that the forward has been playing with a shot ankle. And while Spoelstra still voiced optimism about how Butler wasn’t even icing it, there is no doubt that the veteran would feel the sting.
Butler has been a force these playoffs averaging 31.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 5.6 assists. And these performances have seen the Heat power through tougher opponents. With two more games left in the series and Miami needing just one to win, Butler will be eager to put the forgettable outing behind him and take the Heat to the next round.
Stephen A. Smith Believes Jimmy Butler Is A Superstar In The Playoffs
Knicks lifelong fan and NBA analyst Stephen A. Smith believed New York would be in for a rough ride as the Heat would have Butler, who has been a playoff phenom.
“Jimmy Butler is a superstar in the playoffs,” said Smith on ESPN. “He is something special, and he’s a rough rider. He’s a dog. He’s not one of those people that’s just trying to win. He wants to come to Gotham City, Mecca, and Madison Square Garden, and ruin everything for New Yorkers. That’s what he wants to do. That’s the kind of spirit he got. We have to stop this man.”
And it’s easier said than done. The Knicks have been able to contain him only on one occasion, and that was also because he had an off day himself. Now, they will have to put their defense to the fore to beat Butler, and only time will tell if they can do it.
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