"Gotta get back to having fun again": Jimmy Butler's joy reboot prescription after Heat's five-game slump
Jimmy Butler emphasized the need to start having fun again after the Miami Heat lost to the Boston Celtics on Thursday night. The 110-143 loss marks a five-game slump for the Heat despite acquiring Terry Rozier, who did little to combat the relentless two-way play from the Celtics. Butler had a quiet night with 17 points as Miami went down without a fight in the second half. The loss puts them at 24-21 and seventh in the East.
Speaking to the media after the loss, Butler spoke about the need for the Heat to start enjoying playing basketball again. Heat reporter Zachary Weinberger said the 6x NBA All-Star urged his teammates to start having fun before considering winning.
“Before you can even start thinking of winning again, just feel like everybody gotta get back to having fun again,” Butler said.
On the game front, all the Celtics starters were in double-figures, with Jayson Tatum leading the side with 26 points. Kristaps Porzingis (19 points) and Jaylen Brown (18 points) added to the tally. For the Heat, Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro had 19 points each, but it wasn't enough to outperform the C's.
Jimmy Butler's injuries have played a part in the Heat's wobbly campaign this season
Jimmy Butler suffered a foot injury on Dec. 31 and was forced to sit out for seven games. He returned to the lineup on Jan. 15 and has played five straight games since. Overall, the forward has missed 16 games this season with calf, knee, and ankle injuries.
In the 29 games he has played this season, Jimmy Butler has averaged 20.9 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.4 assists. His last five games have seen him prop up 20.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.6 assists.
By the looks of it, the Heat will need the "Playoff Jimmy" mode to be activated well before the postseason. The team has the firepower, but with the key stars blowing hot and cold, the Heat cannot afford to slip the rungs, especially when teams like the Chicago Bulls and the Atlanta Hawks are in contention with less than .500 to show for.
The Heat's biggest issue is their lack of offense when they play teams that are faster, bigger, and heavier on offense. Butler's injuries mean that the forward is yet to work himself back into complete game-ready shape.
Miami and Jimmy Butler don't have a lot of time to regroup as they take on another potential playoff competitor, the New York Knicks, on Saturday, Jan. 27. They follow it up with a marquee matchup against the Phoenix Suns on Monday, Jan. 29.