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The Miami Heat took on the New Orleans Pelicans on Christmas Day, beating the Pelicans 111-98 and improving to 1-1 on the season.
However, in their quest for victory, Jimmy Butler, who played only 16 minutes, was taken out for the second half of the game as he experienced a stiff ankle. Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel tweeted about Spoelstra's decision about pulling Butler from the game, as it ultimately was a precautionary measure.
Erik Spoelsra on Jimmy Butler's ankle, "It was a group decision," he said of Butler sitting out the second half. "It just stiffened up."
— Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) December 25, 2020
Per Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press, Spoelstra added it would not be the “smartest decision” to “force” Butler playing.
Spo on Jimmy's ankle: "The smartest decision right now is to not force it."
— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) December 25, 2020
Playing it safe was probably the best thing that Coach Spoelstra could do for Butler and the team itself. Establishing himself as one of the best players in the league, Butler was a key part of the Heat's Finals run this past season in the bubble. Though they lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in a valiant 4-2 effort, the Heat turned many people's heads as them being the fifth seed did not stop them from almost taking it all.
Along with the young core Tyler Herro, Bam Adebayo, and Duncan Robinson, who set the record for the most 3-pointers in one half on Christmas Day (6), and veterans Goran Dragic, Avery Bradley, and Andre Iguodala, Butler is the player the team needs to lead the Heat against the best teams the NBA has to offer.
The last thing the Heat need right now, especially with a Finals loss fresh in their minds, is an unhealthy Jimmy Butler on the bench.
