Jimmy Butler Joins Dwyane Wade in a Rare Franchise Record After Heat’s Win Over Magic

Miami Heat are 10-1 in the last 11 games, and that has helped them become the fourth seed in the EC. The only loss they endured in this period came against the Hawks in a game that their leader Jimmy Butler missed. 

More recently, they extended their streak by defeating Orlando Magic 102-97 in a high-intensity battle. This marked their second win over the Magic in the last four days. As center Nikola Vucevic took on the Heat single-handedly, it was again Jimmy G. Buckets who came as a savior on both occasions.

Additionally, the Heat forward also got a franchise record to his name after that performance.

Jimmy Butler made history against the Magic

The 31-YO has already missed 15 games this season but has been largely impressive in the ones he has played. In fact, he has been as good as the former franchise face Dwyane Wade in the past month. Jimmy now has six straight games where he scored at least 25 points and recorded 8 assists. 

Finding one’s name alongside a franchise great is definitely a big positive sign. The last time that Jimmy could not touch those numbers was against the OKC when he scored 15 points and 9 assists in their win.

If he can produce the same performance against the Cavaliers, he will become the first Heat player to stretch that streak to seven games. 

The star is currently averaging 21.1 points, 7.4 rebs, 8 assists, and 2 steals in the season. These numbers are even better than his figures from the last season where they made it to the NBA finals. 

Read Also – Jimmy Butler Says He Doesn’t Care Whether He is Termed a Hero or Villain

The Miami Heat turned the game

The Heat were again playing without center Bam Adebayo after they lost him for a while to tendinitis in his left knee. Before this, Bam had missed only the away losses against the Sixers earlier in January.

Apart from him, they also lacked Avery Bradley, who continues to stay out since February 5 after a right calf strain. Nonetheless, their core players in Kelly Olynyk, Duncan Robinson, and Tyler Herro performed well, just as Kezie Okpala tried to fill in for Bam’s absence.

Although Tyler missed a couple of threes, he had an 8-point last quarter that helped them stay neck-to-neck with Magic. With under four minutes remaining, a lethal Jimmy Butler, and way too many misses and turnovers from the Magic, the Heat finally won the game.

They ruined the 38-point double-double night from Vucevic and proved that they can win even with some key players sitting out. On a downside, the Heat took 50 odd attempts from the long-range and still failed to convert as many buckets as their opponents did from downtown.

Can Miami Heat get into the Top 3 on the EC or will they remain a surprise package just like last year? Help us know your opinion on this in the comments.