The battle to clinch a spot in the Eastern Conference finals for the 2022-23 NBA season has everyone on the edge of their seats. The series between the New York Knicks and the Miami Heat was touted to be a close affair. Safe to say, it is turning out to be just as exciting as the fans speculated. In game 3 of the Eastern Conference semi-finals, a major fight broke out between the players of the two teams. Following the Heat’s impressive win, their talisman Jimmy Butler opened up on the controversy.

During the game, Butler seemed nonchalant about the fight and seemed to go about his business. However, when asked to talk about the fight, the 6-time NBA All-Star gave a very interesting answer.

Jimmy Butler sounds off on major controversy mid-game

The Miami Heat pulled off a great defensive performance to beat the New York Knicks 105-86. With this win, they take a 2-1 lead over the Knicks going into game 4. However, the major highlight of the game was the fight between Julius Randle, Cody Zeller, and Isaiah Hartenstein.

During the third quarter of the game, Zeller seemingly shoved Julius Randle in the back after Randle had shoved the Heat star moments prior. One thing led to another and a major fight broke out. Isiah Hartenstein of the Knicks and the Heat’s Caleb Martin were also involved.

Amidst all this, Jimmy Butler seemed nonchalant about everything happening around him. The 4-time All-NBA star was fidgeting around with the ball while the officials and the players tried to cool down the tempers.

During the post-game press conference, Cody Zeller was asked about the fight. He said, “it was nothing”, with a smile. The attention then turned to Butler who didn’t seem too interested to talk about the fight.  

“Talk to his violent a**. Setting a bad example for my daughter,” said Butler. Caleb Martin received a technical foul for his involvement in the scuffle. On the other hand, Zeller and Hartenstein were both handed double technical fouls.

READ MORE:Heat Legend Dwyane Wade Asking for Jimmy Butler’s Autograph Leaves “Knicks Fans In Shambles” – EssentiallySports

Butler and Bam Adebayo take care of business in game 3

Jimmy Butler has been one of the best players in this year’s playoff series. He played a pivotal role in knocking out the #1 seed Milwaukee Bucks with 56 points in game 4 against Giannis Antetokounmpo and co.

Butler scored a decent 28 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists, while shooting 9-of-21 from the field. Bam Adebayo had a monstrous performance on both ends of the court. He scored 17 points and 12 rebounds, while also playing a huge role in defense.

The Heat restricted the Knicks to their fewest points in a game since November 9th. Moreover, this is only the second game where the Knicks have failed to score more than 90 points this season.

WATCH THIS STORY: “WNBA legend shoots daggers at Hall of Famers Dwyane Wade and Shaquille O’Neal amid March Madness ‘Final Four’ battle”