Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler is still one of the scariest competitors out there in the NBA. When he’s locked in – and he’s always locked in – Butler can take over on any given game on any given day against any given opponent. He’s become the perfect star for the Heat, personifying the so-called Heat Culture, especially on the court.
Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd knows how gritty of gamer Butler is. Before Thursday night’s game between the Mavs and the Miami Heat in Dallas, Kidd said praised Butler’s mental fortitude which he thinks is second to none in the league.
“His mental makeup is as good as anybody in the league,” Kidd said of Butler (h/t Ira Winderman of the Sun Sentinel).
Unfortunately for Butler and the Heat, they weren’t good enough to overcome Luka Doncic and the Mavs. The Heat lost to Dallas, 114-108, with Butler scoring only 14 points on 6/12 shooting from the field with five assists, four rebounds, and two steals. Butler was not able to fish as many fouls as he usually does, as he only had two free-throw attempts, while his season average is at 8.2 shots from the foul line per game.
Jimmy Butler Ties Miami Heat Franchise Record
Despite the loss to the Mavs, Butler was able to come away with a consolation. Butler, who had two steals and a 3-point conversion versus the Mavericks, extended his streak of games with at least a steal and a 3-point make to 15.
Via ESPN:
Butler extended his streak of games with at least one steal and one 3-pointer to 15, the longest of his career and tying the franchise record set by Rafer Alston in 2004.
The Heat, who are sixth in the Eastern Conference standings with a 35-27 record, have another tough matchup ahead, as they will be squaring off against West powerhouse Oklahoma City Thunder on the road this Friday.
For More NBA Content:
More must-reads: