The New Orleans Pelicans avenged their previous loss by decisively defeating the Miami Heat 111-88 away from home last Friday night in what seems to be a growing NBA rivalry.
This victory was not just about the score; it was a statement, especially from the Pelicans, who had not forgotten Jimmy Butler of the Heat’s biting remarks following their last encounter.
Naji Marshall of the Pelicans took a playful jab at Butler, responding to a clip of Butler’s comments with a cheeky tweet: “My Volume don’t work what he say ?????” Though the tweet has since been removed, the Pelicans showed their knack for “Keeping Receipts” by changing their bio to precisely that phrase, signaling they had neither forgiven nor forgotten.
The backdrop to this fiery rematch was set during their previous meeting on February 23, where the Heat clinched a 106-95 victory over the Pelicans in a game marred by the ejections of four players — including Butler, Thomas Bryant, Jose Alvarado, and Marshall themselves.
“It backfired on them today,” Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado said.
The ejections stemmed from a scuffle initiated by Kevin Love‘s foul on Zion Williamson. This escalated tensions and almost led to a physical confrontation between Marshall and Butler. In the aftermath of that heated game, Butler confidently proclaimed his confidence in his team.
“We’ll beat them the next time too. We’re just a better team. I’m not going to say that they’re not a good team,” Butler said. “But I don’t think this really matters. I think that when we get them on our home court, it’s going to be a different game. I hope that they’re healthy. And it’s going to be the same outcome.”
However, the Pelicans had the final word this season, proving their mettle and leaving a potent message. With no further scheduled games against the Heat, unless fate brings them together in the NBA Finals, the Pelicans savor their moment of triumph, embodying the essence of competition and resilience in the NBA.
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