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Miami Heat Star Jimmy Butler Just Wants Team to Reach Playoffs, Says He’ll ‘Handle the Rest’

Published 04/22/2021, 3:18 PM EDT

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USA Today via Reuters

After reaching the NBA Finals last season, a glance at the Miami Heat on the current standings would leave anyone surprised. They are currently seventh in the Eastern Conference and struggling to stay away from a play-in spot. While many fans would be worried about this, star Jimmy Butler isn’t bothered.

In a recent interview, Butler mentioned that their only goal right now is to make the playoffs. He will handle what happens after that, by himself.

“I can’t speak for everybody, I don’t care,” Butler said. “I don’t pay attention to it, I don’t be on the World Wide Web like that. So I can’t tell you who is where. I know in our team meeting we talk about it. All we got to do is get there. We get there, us as a team, I’ll handle the rest.”

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USA Today via Reuters

Jimmy Butler is not messing around

NBA fans who watched his performances in the playoffs last season know that this is no joke. Butler’s exploits last season almost took the Heat to an NBA title. After the Heat finished as the fifth seed, no one expected them to win the Eastern Conference. But they did that in style, beating the #1 Bucks and then the Celtics. And the main reason behind this success was playoff Jimmy.

After averaging 19.9 points per game in the regular season, he went to 22.2 points per game in the playoffs. His shooting improved as well, going from 45% from the field and 24% from three to 48% from the field and 34% from three. His other stats also took a jump. So despite being an unfavored team, they gave the Lakers a tough challenge taking them to six games.

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In the Finals, Butler had some of his best career performances, including his 40 point triple double in Game 3. So Heat fans will be hoping for more of the same.

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Can the Miami Heat recreate their run?

Last season, the Heat surprised everyone by reaching to the Finals. While no one saw that coming, this season, it will not be as easy. The Nets, 76ers, and the Bucks all look stronger and title favorites as well. The Heat will likely face one of them in the first round and that could determine if another surprising run is on the cards. It will be difficult, but it cannot be ruled out.

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Why is Miami Heat’s Jimmy Butler Not Playing Right Now? When Will He Return? April 20 Update

USA Today via Reuters

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Written by:

Aaron Mathew

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Aaron Mathew is a sports analyst at EssentiallySports. A graduate in Mass Media from Xavier’s College, Aaron has been a part of EssentiallySports since May 2020 where he covers both NBA and NCAA basketball news, and has also covered NBA 2K. In the past, Aaron has worked at the Sports Desk of Mumbai Mirror.
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