Jimmy Butler's production, and humor, are leading the Heat turnaround
Fun and focus have been the pillars behind the Miami Heat s turnaround in recent weeks.
While adding wins absolutely helps that formula, the return of Jimmy Butler (both on and off the court) has been the most critical variable, as Miamis leading man brings buckets and jokes for his teammates to enjoy.
Staying connected has been important for the Heat, who have experienced an oddly transient and spotty schedule to begin the season.
Earlier this month, the Heat had a six-game road trip, which marked their longest before December since 2017.
Sunday was just the second time in the young season the Heat played consecutive home games.
In fact, it was only the teams second overall game in the last week.
Advertisement Rest, rehabilitation and community outreach were Miamis priorities during last weeks five-day layoff.
Needed downtime to simply recharge and enjoy familiar surroundings while working to correct an awkward start to the season.
Miami (7-7) started 3-5, struggled to close out games and faced an early injury bug as coach Erik Spoelstra sought sound lineup combinations to avoid sinking too low in the Eastern Conference standings.
I didnt mind it, Spoelstra said about the downtime before Sundays matchup against the visiting Dallas Mavericks .
The schedule is always going to be 41 on the road, 41 at home.
I dont really overthink that stuff.
I really dont waste any time on that.
It was a little bit strange after that long road trip.
And then, when we came back, we all thought your body was thinking you would have a day off.
But then, we played immediately, so I wanted to see if we could take on the challenge and win that game without excuses.
After that, we all needed two days just to get from each other and recalibrate and get some practice time.
It doesnt guarantee you anything, but the work was productive.
And now, were looking forward to just doing what were paid to do compete in games.
Despite a four-game absence with ankle woes, Butler remains one of the NBA s fiercest competitors and has simply played incredible basketball since returning to the Heat rotation.
Hes averaging 31.5 points with a true shooting percentage of 75.4.
The six-time All-Star has been filling every key gap.
Rebounds? His 9.5 per game since returning trails only Bam Adebayo (12) for the team lead.
Setting up teammates? Butler is dishing 5.5 dimes per game since returning.
If youre big into controlling pace and possessions, hes been plenty fine at that too.
The 35-year-old forwards 29 free-throw attempts since coming back are his third-most in any two-game span over the last three seasons.
Advertisement Last week, after registering more free throws than the Philadelphia 76ers , Butler said he enjoys attacking the basket because he believes it grants a timely break to everybody, including himself.
On Sunday, though, there was a moment where Butler was on the receiving end of timely help as the Heat forced overtime in their eventual win over the Mavericks.
I hate to say, but Duncan Robinson made an incredible pass, Butler quipped afterward.
Although Butler may hate to admit his teammate deserves a compliment, that isnt to say he and the Heat arent having fun as they enjoy returning to .500 and continue supporting one another through the seasons ebbs and flows ...
with timely assists or tongue-in-cheek humor.
With just over a minute remaining in Sundays matchup, Butler drove past Naji Marshall to take on Dereck Lively II at the rim before flipping in a left-handed shot attempt over his head as Miami took a one-point lead.
Since returning from his ankle injury, Butler is shooting 77 percent on 15.5 drive attempts per game.
Tyler Herro , who leads Miami with 23.8 points per game this season, was jokingly tabbed by Butler as the 1B to the latters 1A in Miamis scoring pecking order.
He didnt seem too impressed by his All-Star teammates clutch-time heroics, but good teammates help keep each other humble and focused on the moment, right? That s was lucky as hell, Herro joked Sunday.
Whether its easiest to credit timely luck, infectious fun or collective focus, the Heat have been enjoying their best basketball of the young season by trusting one another.
After struggling to maintain big leads or to close out close games, Miami is sixth in second-half net rating (plus-7.2) since Nov.
10, illustrating signs of a team stringing together fuller performances and simply trusting the next player called to duty.
Injuries remain variables, but Spoelstra will never lean on those excuses.
A week ago, reserve guard and defensive specialist Dru Smith starred in his most extensive appearance of the season (10 points, six rebounds, three steals in 25 minutes).
Now? Hes nursing a right knee bruise.
Such absences are opportunities for other Heat role players to step up.
On Sunday, Alec Burks played a season-high 30 minutes and tied his season-high in points (15, 4-of-8 shooting on 3s).
This season, Miami is 4-1 when the 33-year-old guard plays at least 15 minutes.
Advertisement That unit just gave us a spark, Spoelstra said of his bench unit.
Alec made some timely baskets.
Thats what this guy does.
...
He also just gave us some real steady play.
Miami will always remain strong with trusting role players to thrive, but Butlers presence and intensity are often what makes the ultimate difference for this iteration of Heat basketball.
While Butlers play can sometimes leave teammates and opponents in awe, Spoelstra credits his star forwards sharp mind for always being prepared to contribute and lead Miami.
He has the highest percentile of processing speed when the ball is in his hands, Spoelstra said of Butler.
That was there our first year [2019-20].
The uniqueness of how he does it is, he can bring this rugged, physicality, intensity a toe-the-line intensity and slow everything down in the moments of truth.
Thats part of his genius.
( Top photo: Rich Storry / Getty Images ).
This article has been shared from the original article on theathleticuk, here is the link to the original article.