Q: Good for Jimmy Butler. Walk out just like the entire Heat organization has walked out on your window. – Kitara.
A: I’m not sure Jimmy Butler’s premature departure from the court in overtime in Saturday night’s loss in Orlando was a statement about something larger. But how does a player score 38 points in regulation, including a miraculous game-tying 3-pointer at the fourth-quarter buzzer, and not get a single shot in overtime? Yes, because of turnovers, the Heat got off only four shots in overtime. Still, you get the ball to Butler. As far as the greater notion of the Heat not doing enough to surround Jimmy with the required talent, remember that his influence was among the reasons the Heat signed Kyle Lowry, essentially leaving them capped out and on the luxury-tax threshold. Next will be the question of trying to find something else to sate Jimmy, or moving forward and building around Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro.
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Q: One nice part of the loss to Orlando was that for the first time this season, Kyle Lowry looked quicker on both sides of the floor. How he will feel for Monday’s game is anyone’s guess. – Brian, Fort Lauderdale.
A: Which is among the reasons Erik Spoelstra said he brought Kyle Lowry back in reserve in Orlando, the first time in a decade Kyle played as a reserve, so it wouldn’t become a case of constantly altering the rotation if there is a Lowry setback. The reality is that with only 13 games remaining, this is go time. And if Kyle Lowry is your best option as starting point guard, then that’s how he should be utilized. This is no time for a waiting game or cautionary approach.
Q: If the Celtics drop and the 76ers move to No. 2, would the Heat be happy with the No. 7 seed through the play-in? – Jeffrey, Miami.
A: There is no gamesmanship when it comes to the play-in. You try to avoid it at all costs. Otherwise, one or two losses and you’re done for the season. At this point, just making it to the first round could be a challenge for the Heat.
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