The Miami Heat were generally silent during the offseason and trade and the silence continued for them during their opening game against the Orlando Magic with team’s stars Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo basically firing blanks all-game long.
The duo was the recipient of the ridicule from both Miami and NBA fans after their team lost, 97-116.
“Stupidly locked in”, said one user in a sarcastic tone. The quote was in reference from the quote made by Butler in 2021 playoffs before they faced and get swept by the Bucks in the first round.
I’m probably being dramatic but this might be the worst stretch of Heat basketball since…??
Tf is this garbage
— 𝙃𝙀𝘼𝙏 𝙉𝘼𝙏𝙄𝙊𝙉 (@HeatvsHaters) October 24, 2024
“I’m probably being dramatic but this might be the worst stretch of Heat basketball since…??
“Tf is this garbage,” said X user Heat Nation which has 152,000 followers.
“This is the worst. I was gaslit into thinking we’d get a more fun offense,” a Miami Heat fan account wrote.
Another user especially ripped the offensive system for not trusting the younger guys.
You cant with Jimmy + Bam together and then Jovic? Having the ball in their hands so much with both of them defense 1st guys that LEARNED offense is bad. They cannot shoot outside paint consistently and no super elite 1 on 1 moves, Jimmy lost another step.
You cannot run your…
— Pharticus Maximus (@ThePharticusMax) October 24, 2024
“You cant with Jimmy + Bam together and then Jovic? Having the ball in their hands so much with both of them defense 1st guys that LEARNED offense is bad. They cannot shoot outside paint consistently and no super elite 1 on 1 moves, Jimmy lost another step. You cannot run your offense through that kind of player as #1-2 options and be a great offense.”
Jimmy Butler’s window getting shorter for Miami Heat
Butler was the one who received the bulk of blame. He only scored 3 points in the game out of eight attempts.
Some thought he is not showing sense of urgency as he also failed to stop a younger Paolo Banchero who scored 33 points and 11 rebounds.
Butler’s partner Adebayo was not that effective either scoring jus nine points, seven from the free-throw line. He was -30 in plus/minus.
It’s just one game but the panic is setting for many Heat fans. Butler is already 35 years old and he might not have enough left given his history of injury.
It’s just one game and the Heat will look to start setting things right again on Saturday against the Charlotte Hornets.
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