Jimmy Butler calls Heat 'soft' after loss to Timberwolves

Following a 119-111 loss to the last-place Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday, Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler called the team "soft," adding that Bam Adebayo needs to get back to playing "bully ball."

"We're just being soft. That's it," Butler said, according to ESPN. "Not getting into bodies, scared of some contact. Soft overall."

Minnesota outrebounded Miami 45-33 and outscored the Heat 23-5 in second-chance opportunities.

Friday marked Miami's third straight loss and it was the team's 10th loss in the past 16 games. The Heat dropped to 28-28 with just 16 games remaining to improve their standing in the tight Eastern Conference. 

This season has been full of ups and downs for Miami. Many key players, including Butler, have missed time with COVID-19-related issues or injuries.

The Heat were hoping Victor Oladipo, whom they acquired at the trade deadline, would be the missing piece to the puzzle, but he has only appeared in four games due to a recurrence of knee issues. 

With many teams in the Eastern Conference separated by just one game or less, it's imperative the Heat break out of their recent struggles, or they'll miss the playoffs after reaching the NBA Finals last season.