Jimmy Butler, the Miami Heat’s best player, remains one of the NBA’s most formidable opponents. Butler, when he’s locked in – and he always is – can take over any game, any day, against any opponent. He’s become the Heat’s ideal star, personifying the so-called Heat Culture, particularly on the court.
Jason Kidd, the Dallas Mavericks’ head coach, understands Butler’s rugged game. Before Thursday night’s game between the Mavericks and the Miami Heat in Dallas, Kidd complimented Butler’s mental toughness, which he believes is unparalleled in the league.
“His mental makeup is as good as anybody in the league,” Kidd said of Butler (via Ira Winderman of the Sun Sentinel).
Unfortunately, Butler and the Heat were unable to defeat Luka Doncic and the Mavericks. The Heat fell at Dallas 114-108, with Butler scoring 14 points on 6/12 shooting from the floor, five assists, four rebounds, and two steals. Butler did not draw as many fouls as he normally does, as he only attempted two free throws, compared to his season average of 8.2 foul shots a game.
Jimmy Butler Ties Miami Heat Franchise Record
Despite the loss against the Mavs, Butler received some comfort. Butler, who had two thefts and a 3-point conversion against the Mavericks, extended his streak of games with at least one steal and a 3-pointer to 15.
Butler’s 15-game stretch of at least one steal and 3-pointer ties the franchise record set by Rafer Alston in 2004.
The Heat, now sixth in the Eastern Conference standings with a 35-27 record, face the West powerhouse Oklahoma City Thunder on the road this Friday.
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