NBA Finals: 3 adjustments the Miami Heat need to make for Game 2

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BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – MAY 19: Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat reacts during the fourth quarter against the Boston Celtics in game two of the Eastern Conference Finals at TD Garden on May 19, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /

1. Playoff Jimmy

No logical mind would expect Jimmy Butler to put on the same performances that he did to during the early portion of the NBA Playoffs. Not after an ankle injury and the fatigue of 18 games. Yet, the Heat star still has expectations. With the main one being aggression.

For the last five contests, Butler has looked either drained or disengaged throughout the first 36 minutes of games. Commencing with passing out of open shots instead of looking at the rim.

Butler’s lack of aggression was evident in a few aspects. First, he was barely the fourth leading scoring for the Heat in Game 1. Second, and more importantly, he shot zero free throws as the team set a record for the least free throw attempts in a finals game, with two.

Statistics like this stick out, because Butler’s attacking style is known for pressuring the opposition into foul trouble. So much so, that he ranks at number three for average free throw attempts per game (8.6) behind early exits Joel Embiid and Kevin Durant. A knack that he should be more eager to put on display by driving against a less swift-footed, non-rim protector in Jokic.

Next. Butler’s prediction, Boston’s downfall, and the NBA Finals. dark

Butler knows that he has to turn his aggression up while continuing to breathe confidence into his teammates, but if he does not pull out Playoff Jimmy, he could finish his second finals appearance with the same ringless fingers.

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