Jimmy Butler Returns from Suspension, Criticized By NBA Fans as Heat Lose vs. Nuggets

Posted by Admin January 18, 2025 NBA

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Despite Jimmy Butler’s return, the Miami Heat were unable to take down the Denver Nuggets on Friday night.

Miami ended up falling to Denver by the final score of 133-113.

The Nuggets opened the game with a 19-8 lead and never looked back, as they didn’t trail for the remainder of the contest.

Butler made his first appearance since Jan. 2 after wrapping up a seven-game suspension for “conduct detrimental to the team” that followed a request to be traded.

The six-time All-Star finished with 18 points, three rebounds and two assists while shooting 7-15 from the field. Butler missed both of his three-point attempts. He also failed to record a steal or a block for the seventh time this season.

Fans weren’t impressed with the performance from Butler and the Heat.

Kendrick Perkins @KendrickPerkins

Pat Riley forcing Jimmy Butler to be a Heat is doing nothing but messing with the chemistry in the locker room!!! Just trade the man. My God

Will Manso @WillManso

Not sure what I’ll take away from this game other than Nuggets have the Heat’s number. It’s dominance.
As for Jimmy’s return, he had his moments. I think every second he’s on the court will probably get overanalyzed. Jimmy, Bam and Tyler combine for 56 Defense was oooof.

Dave Hyde @davehydesports

Jimmy Butler’s first half: 8 points, no rebounds, no assists, no fouls, no blocks, no steals, no interest at all in being out there.

Wes Goldberg @wcgoldberg

Idk that I’ve ever seen Jimmy Butler set this many screens.

Flizdesign @Flizdesign

So we suck with Jimmy Butler and we suck without Jimmy Butler. I think this team just sucks. #MiamiHeat.

Sramirez @SEBASTI98352775

That boy jimmy butler still going through the motions lmaoo

JayHoops @Jayhooptalk

Is Jimmy Butler even trying in this game?

Three-point shooting was the difference in the game, as Denver connected on 48.5 percent of its attempts from behind the arc. Meanwhile, the Heat hit just 27.3 percent of their long-range shots.

For the Nuggets, Nikola Jokić finished with a triple-double. He recorded 24 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists while shooting 9-12 from the field.

The Heat fell to No. 9 in the Eastern Conference standings with a 20-20 record, while Denver holds the No. 4 spot in the West at 25-16.