“He is always going to be very key to us with the offensive side of things” - Jimmy Butler commends former Sixth Man of the Year winner’s growth in year 4
Tyler Herro and Max Strus drew praise from Jimmy Butler after the Miami Heat's 112-109 win against the Toronto Raptors on Saturday. Butler also discussed the travel call against him late in the game.
In his postgame press conference, he said:
"When he's aggressive, obviously making shots that helps us, but he's also getting everybody involved. Making all the right reads and that's just shown how he's grown as a player.
"He is always going to be very key to us with the offensive side of things. But he's getting better defensively too. The more games he plays, the more comfortable he's gonna get. The only way is up from here for him."
Jimmy Butler mentioned that last season's Sixth Man of the Year will continue to be vital for the Miami Heat. While Herro is at his best on the offensive end, he is now also proving to be a good defender.
Herro, who has started every game this season, played a season-low 22 minutes. Nevertheless, he had 14 points, eight rebounds and six assists, as well as five fouls. Max Strus came off the bench and got starters minutes. In 37 minutes, Strus had 20 points, five rebounds, 3 assists and two blocks.
Butler also appreciated how Strus contributes defensively and that he is always trying to get defensive stops. Apart from Strus' defense, Butler also acknowledged that Strus can knock down important shots as well.
As for getting called for traveling, Butler believes he did not commit the violation. With 21.6 seconds left and a two-possession game, the officials called a travel on Butler.
Talked to Jimmy Butler for a bit postgame
Tyler Herro rim pressure, Max Strus defense, and yes, the travel that got called on him late
@5ReasonsSports https://t.co/hy9eY7Zyxr
Jimmy Butler carries the Miami Heat to victory against the Toronto Raptors
The Miami Heat defeated the Toronto Raptors to secure their first win of the season with a 112-109 victory. The Heat were off to a good start in the first quarter as the team found its stroke from downtown. Kyle Lowry made two shots from deep, while Tyler Herro and Duncan Robinson also made one each. They ended the quarter with a 38-33 lead.
Jimmy Butler and Max Strus extended their lead in the second quarter. Butler knocked down his signature midrange jumpers and even ended the quarter with an explosive two-handed slam.
Strus was efficient as he made some buckets in the paint, while Lowry and Robinson continued their streak from deep.
Things got rowdy when Caleb Martin and Christian Koloko got into an altercation. Martin boxed out Koloko fighting for a rebound and the Raptors big man awkwardly stumbled to the ground after grabbing the ball. Koloko was furious and wrestled Martin all the way to the fans' seats. After the skirmish, Toronto began to catch up.
Gary Trent Jr. did most of the scoring for the Raptors, knocking down some big-time buckets to make a comeback. He and Pascal Siakam had a team-high 23 points.
Jimmy Butler finished with 24 points and made his first 3-pointer of the season. Eventually, Miami maintained its lead and won after a nail-biting finish.