Jimmy Butler requested a commerce from the Miami Warmth and claimed he misplaced his pleasure enjoying basketball earlier than finally touchdown on the Golden State Warriors in February. Ergo, there was an opportunity he would obtain a frigid reception from the house crowd within the Kaseya Middle for his extremely anticipated return sport.
The star wing actually heard his share of boos in Tuesday’s 112-86 loss to his former squad, however a way of gratitude and appreciation additionally permeated the constructing. General, there was not the extent of hostility that many individuals may need anticipated after the disintegration of Butler’s working relationship with the Warmth. Warriors head coach Steve Kerr was not shocked by the town’s comparatively gentle temperament.
Are Warmth followers already transferring previous the Jimmy Butler state of affairs?
“Miami is a good place to stay,” Kerr mentioned postgame, per The Athletic’s Anthony Slater. “Folks don’t ever appear too amped up round right here. So it actually wasn’t that rabid an surroundings. Typical Miami. The primary a part of Jimmy’s return is that the Warmth had been prepared.”
That final sentence rings very true. A lot was mentioned in regards to the motivation Butler may need felt to dominate within the place he referred to as dwelling for 5 and a half years, however his outdated teammates most likely had their eye on this marquee matchup as nicely. Bam Adebayo racked up 27 factors and eight rebounds, whereas Tyler Herro scored 20 factors and was an ideal 4-of-4 from behind the 3-point line. Alec Burks made 5 treys himself, and the Warmth shot an astounding 68 % from deep.
A win would have clearly been good regardless of the way it got here by, however seeing the core members of the franchise that Butler left get pleasure from profitable showings sends a robust assertion. Though each groups stay on utterly totally different trajectories following the commerce, it presumably means one thing for the Warmth to seize this sport.
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Steve Kerr on the Jimmy Butler return surroundings: “Miami is a good place to stay. Folks don’t ever appear too amped up round right here. So it actually wasn’t that rabid an surroundings. Typical Miami. The primary a part of Jimmy’s return is that the Warmth had been prepared.” pic.twitter.com/BbeWUim60w
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) March 26, 2025
Butler, Warriors depart Miami with a whimper
Jimmy Butler largely underwhelmed in his homecoming, posting 11 factors on 5-of-11 capturing with six boards and two assists. With out Stephen Curry, Golden State’s offense struggled to get into rhythm (39.8 % capturing). Butler didn’t interact in pleasantries with Miami after the ultimate buzzer sounded, making his method to the locker room whereas different gamers proceeded with the routine dap up. Possibly he didn’t wish to steal the highlight? Regardless, the swift exit will rub many the flawed means.
The six-time All-Star and 2023 Japanese Convention Finals MVP did provide heat phrases for his ex-teammates and fan base after the loss, however he’ll stay a polarizing determine in South Seaside in the intervening time. The absence of ferocious hatred hardly implies that Miami will likely be rooting for Butler when he and the Warriors compete within the postseason this spring.
Neither franchise has time to concentrate on drama, nonetheless. The stakes are ramping up with simply 10 video games remaining of their respective common seasons.