GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS
It was not the revenge game Jimmy Butler wanted.
Making his return to Miami after five-and-a-half seasons with the Heat, Butler’s Golden State Warriors dropped their second consecutive game Tuesday night and third out of their last five, 112-86.
The game was so out of hand that Butler sat half of the fourth quarter, with Miami continuing to build on its lead.
The Warriors were playing their second game without All-Star guard Stephen Curry, who is working his way back from a pelvic contusion.
Here’s everything you need to know about Butler’s return to Miami:
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How many points did Jimmy Butler score vs. Miami Heat?
In what ended up being a frustrating, turnover-filled night for the Warriors, Butler finished with only 11 points on 5-of-12 shooting and added six rebounds and two assists.
Nine of Butler’s points came in the third quarter as Golden State was trying to make a run to narrow its deficit. Butler had just two points on 1-of-6 shooting in the first half, as each Warriors starter had accounted for just two points apiece headed into intermission.
For most of the game, as his defensive assignments, Butler drew Heat forward Bam Adebayo, the team’s premier defender, and Haywood Highsmith, a reserve forward also known to be a stopper.
Butler did make his first attempt of the game, getting to the lane and bodying Heat guard Tyler Herro before he laced a one-handed push shot. It was Golden State’s first points of the night and ended a 7-0 Miami run to start the game.
How did Miami Heat players welcome Jimmy Butler?
Butler did catch up with some of his former teammates prior to tip-off. At one point, TNT cameras showed Butler coming from behind to surprise Heat forward Kevin Love, before the pair shared a short conversation, laughing and smiling throughout.
Once the game ended, Butler greeted a couple of people sitting courtside near the Warriors bench, but went into the locker room without exchanging words with his previous teammates.
How did Miami Heat fans welcome Jimmy Butler?
Butler was introduced pre-game by public address announcer Michael Baiamonte in a cadence that was only slightly more subdued than the way he was introduced when he was a member of the Heat. Although there was a smattering of boos, Butler was received, for the most part, by adulating fans, many of whom gave Butler a standing ovation.
The Heat also played a short tribute video moments before Butler was introduced to the crowd at the Kaseya Center.
Once the game started, however, fans booed Butler every time he touched the ball.
What happened during Jimmy Butler’s time with the Miami Heat?
Because of his gritty play and clutch performances, Butler became a fan favorite over his five-and-a-half seasons in Miami. He was twice named an All-Star during that span and led Miami to a pair of NBA Finals appearances.
The relationship soured, however. The Heat suspended Butler several times this season for “multiple instances of conduct detrimental to the team.”
The Heat traded Butler Feb. 5 in a multi-team deal that brought back Andrew Wiggins, Kyle Anderson and draft picks to Miami.
Upon being traded to the Warriors, Butler inked a two-year, $121 million extension with the Warriors.
