Butler Proves The Critics Wrong

Overtime Heroics Editorial

2099 days ago

Jimmy Butler had a week to remember, as the Miami Heat impressed all week. One of the biggest criticisms this writer has had about Miami was could they beat the top teams. They had no-showed their previous two meetings with top teams against Philadelphia and Houston. Well, they went to war with the Toronto Raptors and came out victorious on the road. So what impressed me most against Toronto? How did the other games go this week with Brooklyn, Boston, and Washington? And what does the coming week have in store for Butler and company?

Strong Team Win In Canada

The Raptors came into this game excited about the return of Kyle Lowry. That excitement faded by the night’s conclusion as Miami picked up the 121-110 victory in overtime. Miami jumped out to a nine-point lead at the end of the first but lost the remaining three quarters. Once Overtime started though they locked in, especially defensively as they held Toronto to two points. Jimmy Butler had a triple-double, finishing with 22 points, 13 rebounds, and twelve assists. Unlike other big games this year though he got help from his young starters and role players. Duncan Robinson had 22 points and Bam Adebayo had 18 to boost the starter’s impact on the offensive end. The Heatles bench mob also got 17 from Justice Winslow and 17 from Kelly Olynyk. That is a great performance top to bottom and congratulations to Miami on the big win.

Up and Down Remainder Of The Week

Toronto was the second game of four for Miami this week and all the games around it were fun to watch. It started on Sunday when Miami traveled to play the Kyrie Irving-less Brooklyn Nets. They edged them out to win 109-106 led by Bam Adebayo’s 17 points, 16 rebound night. They then played Toronto Tuesday and then met Boston on Wednesday. Despite the back-to-back, Miami started strong but ran out of gas. Miami was outscored 92- 65 the rest of the way, losing by nineteen points. This writer will not hold it against them too much, as it was their third game in four nights. Miami finished the week at home against Bradley Beal and the Washington Wizards. Jimmy Butler had another triple-double, finishing with 28 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists. The week as a whole should be viewed as a great success. They won three-quarters of their games, moving to 16-6 on the season.

The Heatles Week Ahead

Miami has another packed schedule this week, with three of four games at home. It all starts tonight, as they take on Zach Lavine and the Chicago Bulls. Miami is eight-point favorites and they should cover that spread. Next up is Trae Young and the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday. Trae has been phenomenal, but he will need some help to beat this balanced Heat squad. Expect a second victory in that game for Butler and the Heatles. Miami’s toughest tests come on Friday and Saturday. They have a home game against the top team in the west, the Los Angeles Lakers. Lebron and Anthony Davis are a tough matchup for them, so expect a loss year. The following night they travel to Dallas to take on the Mavericks. While Luka has been on fire, the Heat will win this game.

The Miami Heat will be 19-7 at weeks end. Book It.

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