Rivalries and traditions on the court are what make the game entertaining for the viewers. The Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat faced off tonight at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. And it called for the continuation of a tradition of sorts between Jimmy Butler and Max Strus. Yes, they may be opponents, but that does not mean they can hug and share a bit of ‘love’, though. The former teammates first debuted this exchange in 2021 when Jimmy flipped off Strus just as he came up for a high-five during a game. They continued it since then as their special greeting style.
It seems like they will continue it despite being in different teams. This off-season, Max Strus signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Max and Jimmy continue their tradition
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Just before tip-off, the two crossed paths on the court. They greeted each other in their unique fashion, which got fans reminiscing about the previous times they had done it in the Heat uniform.
wait Butler and Strus did the thing ? pic.twitter.com/0GhleG3A6n
? ???? ?????? (@HeatvsHaters) November 23, 2023
Some fans pointed out that the two still continue their tradition even when playing against each other.
THE TRADITION LIVES ON pic.twitter.com/VevmHBIEtR
? House of Heatles (@HoHeatles) November 23, 2023
Crying rn ???
? Tom Foolery ??? ?????? ???? (@TomFooleryJGB22) November 23, 2023
Some fans even called it a unique way to say “I love you” and hailed it as the ultimate power of friendship.
How to say I love you pic.twitter.com/04tQmAipXD
? Brendan Tobin (@Brendan_Tobin) November 23, 2023
THE POWER OF FRIENDSHIP
? zacklol (@_zacklol) November 23, 2023
This fan, however, assumes that maybe this time, Butler genuinely meant to flip him off as they were on opposing teams.
Except this time, Jimmy meant it
? . (@Yankees_Heat_) November 23, 2023
Jimmy Butler has the last laugh
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The Miami Heat’s dominance prevailed throughout the game despite desperate attempts from the Cavaliers. They maintained the lead from the first call and finished with a comfortable 126 points against the Cavs’ measly 96 points. The stars of the night, however, were Kyle Lowry and rookie Jaime Jaquez Jr.
Read More: Who Will Replace Injured Bam Adebayo in the Heat Line-up? Looking at Options for Jimmy Butler and Co
The point guard put up 28 points while Jaquez added 22 points with eight rebounds and one assist. With Bam Adebayo on the sidelines due to an injury, this win was crucial for Miami to figure out a strategy that worked for them in the absence of its star players. And it looks like it worked!
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Watch this Story:?18 Months After Violent Warning, Jimmy Butler?s Ex-Teammate Destroys Viral Glow-Up With 4 Words
Jimmy & Co will next take on the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden this Friday. With the New York side just one position below them in 6th, will the Heat extend their winning streak or will the Knicks throw a spanner in the works?