The New Orleans Pelicans pulled off a massive upset in Miami without their star player, Brandon Ingram Friday night. Humiliating the Miami Heat on their home turf, Zion Williamson and Co. bested the team, 11-88. As the Pelicans dominated, Jimmy Butler struggled throughout the game, finishing with only 17 points on 5 of 12 shooting. By the day’s end, it looked like the Pelicans were waiting to get their hands on Jimmy Butler and Co. after what transpired the last time these teams faced each other.

After embarrassing the Heat in Miami, Pelicans’ star Naji Marshall rubbed salt in their wounds by pulling out Jimmy Butler’s viral post-game interview from last month’s encounter. In the interview, Butler made bold claims after beating the Pelicans on the road, “We’ll beat them the next time too. We’re just a better team.” However, the Pelicans made Butler eat his words tonight, and Naji Marshall took to social media to assert his dominance. “My volume don’t work what he say?????” Marshall wrote as he shared Butler’s viral quote.

The Heat and the Pelicans last met on February 23 in New Orleans. And that game went viral for all the wrong reasons. The game got heated in the fourth quarter as both squads got into a physical altercation after Kevin Love intentionally fouled Zion Williamson. The incident escalated quickly, leading to a shoving match between Butler and Naji. Thomas Bryant and Jose Alvarado also got into a fight near the announcer’s table.

The altercations led to several ejections, and five players from both teams, including Jimmy Butler and Naji Marshall, got suspended for their actions.

The Pelicans are no longer what Jimmy Butler believed

When Jimmy Butler claimed Miami would beat the Pelicans tonight, he had the previous record to back his claim. Before tonight’s humiliating loss, the Miami Heat had won 7 straight games against New Orleans.  Jimmy Butler and Co. last incurred defeat on March 6, 2020. Hence, the forward’s confidence proved to be an intrinsic response.

However, with tonight’s game, the Pelicans highlighted that they were no longer the team they used to be. Improving significantly this season, the team currently takes the 5th seed in a stacked Western Conference. Meanwhile, the Heat are 8th in an easier Eastern Conference.

The Pelicans have several stars who have been in top form all season, including Zion Williamson, CJ McCollum, and Naji Marshall. Even though the Pelicans had to play tonight without their star, Brandon Ingram, they dominated the Heat on both ends of the floor. The Pelicans squad this season might be the best they have had in years. And they can make some noise in the playoffs like they did in Jimmy Butler’s house tonight.

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