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Kevin Love has already become one of Jimmy Butler’s biggest fans. Love gave Butler perhaps the biggest compliment of his career.
After the Miami Heat’s crucial 129-122 win over the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday, the 2016 champ had this to say about his teammate:
“One of the best closers in the game. I’ll take Jimmy Butler over pretty much anybody in the league when it comes to winning a game. … He brings so much out of his team, he expects so much of himself and that’s why we love him.”
Kevin Love’s praise for Jimmy Butler was just incredible, considering he played with LeBron James and Kyrie Irving for several seasons in Cleveland. The trio went to the NBA Finals four straight times, winning the big one in 2016 against the 73-9 Golden State Warriors.
Love had a front-row seat to James and Irving’s clutch performances over several years. The big man witnessed how “King James” and “Kai” played out of their minds to carry the Cavaliers out of a 3-1 deficit against the Warriors.
More importantly, he sees Jimmy Butler as the better closer now, even if LeBron James and Kyrie Irving are still playing.
Butler’s two-way greatness was on full display in that game against the Dallas Mavericks. “Jimmy Buckets” played 37 minutes and finished with 35 points, 12 assists, three rebounds and one steal. The versatile forward also didn’t commit a single turnover in the game.
While Jimmy Butler carried Miami on offense, he was also their main man guarding Mavs superstar Luka Doncic. “Luka Legend” smartly used screens to free himself of Butler’s tenacious defense. Doncic did most of his damage while guarded by Tyler Herro, Gabe Vincent and Max Strus.
The win improved Miami’s record to 41-37, putting them 2.5 games behind the Brooklyn Nets (43-35) for the sixth seed and outright playoff berth.
Jimmy Butler needs Kevin Love to play better for the Miami Heat to catch up with the Brooklyn Nets
The Miami Heat signed Kevin Love because they value his rebounding and shooting. He has provided decent numbers securing possessions but has struggled badly with his shots from behind the arc.
Love averaged 35.4% from rainbow distance while playing 41 games for the Cleveland Cavaliers this season. That number has dropped to 28.7% in 18 games with the Heat.
The former Cleveland Cavaliers star has started in all but one game for the Heat. With his struggles shooting the basket, Miami head coach Erik Spoelstra moved him to the bench. It remains to be seen if Spoelstra will continue Love’s off-the-bench role.
With Bam Adebayo out with an injury, Jimmy Butler needs Kevin Love to play a little better. Love had 18 points in the win against the Mavericks, hitting 5-9 shots, including 2-5 from behind the arc.
Whether the Heat have to go through the play-in or enter the playoffs immediately, Kevin Love has to play better.
You may also like to read: Why is Kevin Love leaving Cavs? Exploring reports on 5x All-Star's buyout talks with Cleveland Cavaliers
