Jimmy Butler made his much-awaited return to action on Sunday against the Orlando Magic following a two-week layoff due to a tailbone injury. Butler looked good in his comeback as he helped Miami to a 10-point win over the Magic.
Heat swingman Max Strus was more than happy to get his teammate back. After the game, the third-year forward decided to send a rather contentious shoutout for Butler via Instagram:
Heat star Jimmy Butler received a warm and rather contentious welcome back from teammate Max Strus🖕
(via @maxstrus on IG) pic.twitter.com/M3Sy21ygMr
— Paolo Songco (@PaoloSongcoNBA) December 27, 2021




There's clearly no beef between these two Heat teammates and it's definitely all love between them. Strus just has a weird way of showing his appreciation for Butler. I guess this is just on-brand with Jimmy's tough-love reputation. It looks like this is rubbing off on his teammates now.
Butler quickly made up for lost time against the Magic on Sunday. The five-time All-Star logged 17 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, and three steals in 35 minutes of action. Thanks to Butler's strong play, a shorthanded Heat side was able to defeat the Magic, 93-83.
Miami is still missing a few players right now so Butler's return comes at a perfect time for them. Butler and Co. return to action on Tuesday against the Washington Wizards, followed by a matchup against the San Antonio Spurs the following night.