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USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

With the 142-132 win over the Indiana Pacers on Thursday, the Miami Heat ended their three consecutive losing streak. The side bounced in the third quarter with all the energy as Heat added 45 points to clinch victory.  Returning from injury, Jimmy Butler made a difference adding 36 points.

But they lost again in the Saturday rematch as Bam Adebayo didn’t participate due to aggravated hip injury. Indiana Pacers registered a victory with 129-144. Miami Heat stands at a disappointing 11-9 this season with the latest loss. And Jimmy Butler didn’t have nice words to offer for his side’s performance this season.

Jimmy Butler critical of Miami Heat’s season

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After consecutive losses to New York Knicks, Brooklyn Nets, and Milwaukee Bucks, Jimmy Butler returned to create some magic. He missed the previous two games due to a sprained right ankle. Highsmith too joined him against the Pacers. Butler’s incredible 38 minutes on the court saw him rallying 36 points and 23 free throws.

After the loss against the Pacers in the Saturday rematch, Butler was asked where his team stood this season. Butler shared his assessment that summed up the 9 losses of the Heat this season. Butler said, “We stand right where we don’t want to be, which is very mediocre. Not good, not bad, just mediocre.” He also shared his take on the offense and the defenses of his team as he tried to go to the specifics. Butler opined, “You talk about our offense, it’s been mediocre. You talk about our defense, it’s been mediocre.”

Heat stands at the 7th position in the table with the given statistics. Boston Celtics top the table with 15-4. Orlando Magic follow them with 14-6. Milwaukee Bucks also have the same numbers. Philadelphia 76ers hold the fourth spot with 12 wins and 7 loss. Butler’s words were sharp but many agreed, disagreed, and partially agreed with his comments.

Fans analyse the Butler’s words

Many analysts have been pointing at the injuries weighing too heavy for the Heat. Adebayo missed the game against the Pacers. And so did Butler earlier. However, some analysts pointed out that Butler’s approach though seemingly honest is self-flagellating.

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Fans flooded the comments section on Reddit. A fan felt that Butler was too critical of the team.

 “We’re better than mediocre. We’re a “good” team, not a “great” team. Injuries killing us.”

Another partly disagreed with Butler saying he was right about defense loopholes.

“I agree with the defense part but the offense part makes sense with our injuries.”

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Another pointed out that the offense of the Heat would beat many in the business if they stayed healthy.

“Our offense is really good, in terms of personnel and scheme. Fully healthy, we’re a top-10 offense. Our defense is atrocious though.”

One pointed out, mockingly though, that Heat had made significant improvements compared to last year.

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“I mean 11th ranked offense I wouldn’t say is mediocre and is way better than the bottom 6 offense they had last year.”

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