The Miami Heat needed a victory in the worst way entering Saturday’s contest against the Sacramento Kings. Fortunately for them, they would also be getting back a guy they need in the worst way in Jimmy Butler.
Off of a five game losing streak prior to this game, the Miami Heat wanted to come in and try to reset. That’s just what they did.
The game wasn’t a pretty showing for the Miami Heat, but it was their type of game. It was deliberate and mission driven.
To be frank about it all though, it really comes down to this. They had Jimmy Butler.
The Miami Heat had Jimmy Butler on Saturday and with him, they always have a chance.
It’s really as simple as that for the Miami Heat. That stands from game to game and when it comes down to the hopeful depth of the season as a whole.
This doesn’t mean that they will win every game that he plays in, as we know that’s not true and unrealistic. It does mean that they have a chance to win every game that he plays in, something that we can’t say when he doesn’t play.
By that same token, it doesn’t mean that they will lose every game that he doesn’t play in either. It just means that their chances to win when he’s in the lineup are exponentially greater than their chances are when he isn’t.
This is something that holds true when they are full strength. It definitely holds true when they aren’t, such as now.
The Miami Heat are a different team when Jimmy Butler is on the floor. Not only is his offense in itself something that helps propel them towards victory and success, but his overall impact on the team is huge as well.
His gravity on offense helps to create open spaces, lanes, and looks for his teammates. He has the ability to create when that isn’t enough by itself and then the ability to find them once he does.
His demeanor is also something that emanates from him and is taken on by those playing with him. They just play with a more apparent belief, confidence, bravado, and toughness when he’s out on the floor with them.
He’s really that guy, so it isn’t that hard to see it happening, even if you haven’t or don’t. The “why” or “how” is a different story, but it doesn’t matter as long as it happens.
Jimmy Butler was back on Saturday and we loved every minute of it in an eventual Miami Heat win. As long as he’s on the floor for them, they always have a chance to do so.