Ashley Nicole Moss reacts in disbelief after Jimmy Butler records lowest-scoring game since 2021
Jimmy Butler got off to a poor start in his 2024-25 NBA season, scoring only three points as his Miami Heat fell to the Orlando Magic 116-97 at home on Wednesday. Among those taken aback by the All-Star forward's disappointing performance was CBS Sports' Ashley Nicole Moss.
Moss took to X (formerly Twitter) to express her disbelief at Butler's poor shooting, which was his worst performance since 2021, writing:
"Wait ... Jimmy Butler only had 3PTS in 25 minutes?! am I reading that correctly? how?!"
Jimmy Butler struggled during the season-opener, going 1-for-8 from the field and missing both of his attempts from 3-point distance in 25 minutes. He managed to contribute five assists and four rebounds, but his scoring output was the lowest since 2021, according to StatMamba.
Butler failed to score in four attempts in the opening quarter and saw his lone bucket come in the second period.
To compound the Heat's troubles, All-Star big man Bam Adebayo also struggled offensively, going 1-for-5 for nine points.
Terry Rozier led the way for Miami with 19 points, with Nikola Jovic and Tyler Herro adding 15 and 14 points, respectively.
For Orlando, Paolo Banchero shined with a game-high 33 points to go along with 11 rebounds, while Franz Wagner had 23 makrers.
Miami next plays on the road against the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday.
Jimmy Butler looking to have a great year for himself and the Heat
Now in his sixth season with the Miami Heat, Jimmy Butler aims to have a great year not only for himself but also for the team. The 14-year veteran is eligible for a contract extension.
During media day earlier this month, the former Marquette star said he intends to play in as many games as possible to help the Heat.
Butler, 35, said (via the Miami Herald):
"Guess I got to hoop, got to prove that I am a major part of winning and rightfully so. I've done it before and this is no different. This going to be a great year for myself. This is going to be great year for the group of guys we have. That (contract extension) will take care of itself whenever that time comes."
Since Butler arrived in Miami in 2019, the Heat have not missed the playoffs. The team reached the NBA Finals in 2020 and 2023 but lost both times. Last season, he played in 60 games and averaged 20.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 1.3 steals in 34 minutes per contest.
Jimmy Butler is paid $48.8 million this season and has a player option for next season.