The Miami Heat are chugging along right now, just accumulating wins and more wins.
That comes from the perspective of their win/loss record and what they have been able to do as a franchise from a holistic perspective.
Being without Bam Adebayo for over a month and with spotty Jimmy Butler presence for quite a bit of the year, the Miami Heat have proceeded to not only be one of the best and top teams in their own conference, but they are also one of the top teams when it comes to a league-wide perspective.
Sitting ahead of teams in their own conference like the crowned Brooklyn Nets, the fluttering Atlanta Hawks, and most specifically here, the chatty Milwaukee Bucks— that’s where the rubber meets the road.
Recently and in an interview with The Athletic (subscription required), Bucks star, Giannis Antetokounmpo, had some interesting comments.
Miami Heat: A Salty Giannis Antetokounmpo Leads To A Motivated Jimmy Butler
On those comments, see them for yourself. Here is what he had to say about the ending of his seventh year, the NBA Bubble Year.
"Ended with Miami. I don’t make excuses as an athlete, but it wasn’t a satisfying year for me because I felt like if it was a normal situation, it wouldn’t end up like that. But at the end of the day, I felt like Miami was built to be an NBA bubble team, you know?"
Well, first off, the comedy. That’s funny.
Never mind the 2-1 record against this same Bucks team this season. Never mind the 7-5 record against this same Bucks team and in normal conditions since the 2019-20 season.
Never mind all of that.
After they had a ton of time to rest— being sent home early in the bubble playoffs, they went on a run last year. Great for them, but let’s dive deeper into it.
Miami Heat: Giannis Will Certainly Have To Answer For His Comments Come May
The Miami Heat had about two months off prior to last season, after dispelling them early on the way to a Finals Matchup against the man that might be the greatest of all time, but sure— go off.
The Miami Heat were swept because they were tired and it showed from Game 1. But that’s not the point here nor an excuse, it’s the name of the game.
This comment from Antetokounmpo sounds like “I took an L because”. It sounds like he’s upset because the Miami Heat were more mentally tough and mentally stronger.
Where is the lie?
While they just got beat, this sounds motivated by losing, sort of like some of his questionable antics in other losing scenarios (extra shoves after play or outside of court confines).
Secondly, he will have to answer for these comments, one way or another. Lastly though and most importantly, these comments will make for one extremely motivated Jimmy Butler.
That goes for the whole Miami Heat squad. It remains to be seen what the actualities of it all will be, however, there is one thing that can be counted on.
There will be fireworks.