Following the Heat’s heartbreaking loss to the 76ers in the play-in tournament, Miami guard Jimmy Butler expressed concern about a knee injury he sustained during the game. Butler, who played through the discomfort, revealed that he would undergo an MRI to assess the extent of the injury.
“I fell, he landed and my knee just didn’t do well, I guess,” Butler said. “I don’t know. It’s not a good feeling, I can tell you that.”
Despite the injury, Butler managed to sink a crucial free throw before missing the second one. He soldiered on, contributing 19 points to the Heat’s effort, but it wasn’t enough to secure victory for Miami.
With a win-or-go-home game against the Chicago Bulls looming, Miami faces the possibility of being without Butler. The severity of the injury could potentially keep him sidelined for an extended period, according to reports.
Butler, wearing a protective sleeve on his leg postgame, told reporters he would get an MRI on his knee Thursday. However, a report from Shams Charania of The Athletic said Butler is feared to have an MCL injury in his leg that could keep him out for an extended period of time.
The injury occurred late in the first quarter when a Butler pump fake got Kelly Oubre in the air, and not only did Oubre foul Butler, but also he fell on Butler’s knee. Despite visibly struggling as the game progressed, Butler remained on the court, determined to contribute to his team’s efforts.
Reflecting on his performance, Butler admitted, “It just wasn’t the case. I wasn’t able to do anything on either side of the ball. I think I hurt us more than I helped us actually.”
