Author: Chandra Moulee Das
Jimmy Butler of the Miami Heat isn’t worried about his team’s position in the NBA Eastern Conference standings, despite having to win a game in the play-in tournament to qualify for the post-season. The Heat are currently in seventh place, 1.5 games behind the Brooklyn Nets, who hold sixth place and the last automatic playoff spot.
Butler recently spoke about the situation with Vincent Goodwill of Yahoo Sports and shared his lack of concern about the team’s position. “I don’t give a damn. I just love playing basketball. We can beat anyone when we play the right way. Play-in, here we go. Playoffs, here we come,” Butler said.
The Miami Heat are in danger of falling out of the play-in tournament for the first time since its inception ahead of the 2020-2021 postseason. To avoid the play-in tournament, the Heat will have to win their last three games, while hoping that the Brooklyn Nets lose their final two games, as Brooklyn holds the tiebreaker over Miami.
Finishing sixth would give the Heat the opportunity to face the Philadelphia 76ers, who eliminated them from the playoffs last season. However, if they finish in seventh place, Miami will have to win a play-in game to face the Boston Celtics, who beat them in the Eastern Conference finals last season.
Butler also discussed his personal style of play, revealing that he has never been a volume shooter throughout his career. He has never averaged more than 16.5 shots per game, and this season he is attempting just 13.9 baskets per game. According to Butler, he doesn’t need to throw the ball 20 times to be effective.
“If I wanted to throw the ball 20 times, I could, and then my numbers would increase. But I don’t play by numbers. I go where I fit in. If I need to throw the ball in the fourth quarter, I understand. If I need to be aggressive in the third, I understand. First? I understand. I can read the game very well “said Butler.
Butler had an impressive season for the Heat, averaging 22.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 1.9 steals and 0.3 blocks per game in 63 games. He’s also shooting 53.7%, his career record, 35.0% from 3-point range and 85.1% from the free throw line.
The Heat have three games left in the regular season, the first of which is against the Milwaukee Bucks on April 7. The game is crucial for Miami, who need to win to keep alive their hopes of avoiding the play-in tournament. The Heat will face the Minnesota Timberwolves on April 8, before their final game against the Detroit Pistons on April 10.