Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler remains one of the NBA's most formidable competitors. When he's locked in, and he always is, Butler can take over a certain game, against a certain opponent on a certain day.He became the perfect star for the Heat, and the so-called thermal cultureespecially on the court.
Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd knows how tough Butler is. Before Thursday night's game between the Mavs and the Miami Heat in Dallas, Kidd praised Butler's mental strength as second to none in the league.
“His mental make-up is as good as anyone in the league,” Kidd said of Butler (h/t Ira Winderman of the Sun Sentinel).
Unfortunately for Butler and the Heat, they weren't good enough to defeat Luka Doncic and the Mavs. The Heat lost 114-108 to Dallas, with Butler finishing with just 14 points on 6-of-12 shooting, five assists, four rebounds, and two steals. Butler wasn't able to commit as many fouls as he usually does, as he only attempted two free throws despite averaging 8.2 shots from the foul line per game on the season.
Jimmy Butler ties Miami Heat franchise record
Despite the loss to the Mavs, Butler was able to take some consolation. With two steals and a 3-point conversion against the Mavericks, Butler extended his streak of consecutive games with at least one steal and 3-point make to 15.
Via ESPN:
Butler extended his streak of consecutive games with at least one steal and at least one 3-point shot to 15, the longest streak of his career and tying the franchise record set by Rafer Alston in 2004.
The Heat, who are in 6th place in the Eastern Conference with a record of 35 wins and 27 losses, have another tough matchup ahead of them this Friday as they play away from the Western powerhouse Oklahoma City Thunder.
