Jimmy Butler is not physically present on the court due to an MCL injury, but his Heat teammates have embodied his spirit through the first two playoff games against the Celtics. Like a proud papa, Butler watched from afar as Miami stunned Boston 111-101 Wednesday to steal home-court advantage.
After the win, Butler seized the opportunity to troll the Celtics via social media.
The “don’t let us get one” quote was a nod to Jaylen Brown’s comments after the Celtics fell 3-0 in last year’s Eastern Conference Finals against the Heat. Brown’s quote almost proved prophetic as the Celtics won three in a row to force a Game 7 before eventually falling to Butler & Co.
Butler’s troll job was so excellent he even photoshopped himself in Brown’s Celtics No. 7 jersey.
Unfortunately for the Heat, Butler is unlikely to return to the lineup at any point during the series against his arch-rivals. According to NBA insider Shams Charania, Butler’s rehab is expected to last “at least one month” and he wouldn’t be able to recover in time to face Boston.
That said, Butler could eventually rejoin his teammates if they pull off the upset of the century by defeating the 64-win juggernaut Celtics. They do have the experience of upsetting the apple cart. A year ago, they stunned the 58-win No. 1 seed Bucks in the first round of the playoffs.
Butler averaged 26.9 points, 6.5 rebounds, 5.9 assists and 1.8 steals during Miami’s miraculous run to the NBA Finals last year. It’s rather amazing that the Heat are alive and well in this year’s postseason without their best player and emotional leader.