If you’re the 8th seed on a Cinderella run, you might feel pressure. After a hard-fought 7-game war, it is natural to feel exhaustion. Going up against the 2-time league MVP Nikola Jokic, who might just be the best player in the world should cause some concern. Unless of course, your name is Jimmy Butler.
“Himmy Buckets” has been sensational in these playoffs. After dispatching the two prohibitive favorites for the title, Butler may have a tryst with destiny. The Heat, however, face their toughest challenge, in the form of the Denver Nuggets. While most would be worried, Butler is relaxing with some tennis.
Jimmy Butler and his love for Tennis
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Jimmy Butler is a big fan of tennis. After sending out a message to Coco Gauff, and multiple appearances at various Opens, Jimmy’s love for the sport has come out time and again. When most would expect a workout video from the superstar, Jimmy instead opted for the casual.
Relaxing back in his seat, the coffee-making expert sent out a story of enjoying the Rolland Garros. With Carlos Alcaraz and Butler enjoying a strong friendship, the former even congratulated Butler on his ECF MVP. Returning the favor here was Jimmy Butler, as Alcaraz almost replayed Butler’s Conference Finals journey.
Just like the Heat, Carlos was spectacular in his 6-1 opening set thrashing of Taro Daniel. However, he suffered a setback in the next set, losing 6-3 to the Japanese star. Following in Butler’s footsteps, the Spaniard recovered and smoked Daniel, 6-1, 6-2 in the succeeding sets. With a resounding Round 2 victory in the books, the World No.1 continues his hunt for his fifth tour-level title of the year.
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While Jimmy may appear relaxed, in an interview with Malika Andrews, Butler laid out his desire for the NBA Championship, With his sole focus on finishing this fairytale journey, one can only hope that the Nuggets are prepared.?This is, however, not the first time Butler’s tennis side has broken through, with the much famed “Himmy Buckets” making sure that the rising tennis star, Coco Gauff, would come and see Miami face Denver.
The legend of “Himmy Buckets”
Jimmy Butler had a, frankly bizarre, conversation with Coco Gauff. The two have been friends for a while with Gauff’s Heat fandom mightily evident. As Gauff detailed, Jimmy asked her to attend a regular season game in Miami. As Gauff declined due to her tennis schedule, the legend of Jimmy Butler came alive.
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Days before Miami was a guarantee to make the playoffs, Butler made a promise. “OK, when we make the Finals, let me know if your family wants some tickets.”