Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler wants to play against Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid, who is still out due to a facial injury.
Butler said this so himself after the Heat pulverized the Sixers on Wednesday, 119-103 to take a 2-0 lead in their second round series in the NBA Playoffs. The All-Star forward added, per the report of ESPN, that he's now preparing for Embiid's possible return in Game 3.
“I want to compete against him. I really do.”
To recall, Butler and Embiid grew close during their brief time together with the Sixers. Butler only played 55 games for the team but he and Embiid swiftly developed a friendship. It's not surprising for two competitive guys who had humble beginnings to find kinship in each other.
The 32-year-old Butler had another all-around performance for the Heat in Game 2, finishing with 22 points, six rebounds, 12 assists, and two steals. While their 2-0 lead is nothing to scoff at, especially with the way the Heat have been playing lately, Butler downplayed their advantage.
“It's always nice to win. We just did what we're supposed to do at home.”
According to ESPN, the Heat are 18-0 when taking a 2-0 lead in a series. The Sixers, on the other hand, are 0-19 when they get buried in a 0-2 hole.
The Heat will aim to take a commanding 3-0 lead in Game 3 on Friday, while the Sixers can only hope that their MVP candidate can take the floor and help them salvage the series.
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