Miami Head Coach Erik Spoelstra reacts as Jimmy Butler twisted his ankle in Game 1
Jimmy Butler twisted his ankle in Game 1 of the Miami Heat’s Eastern Conference semifinal matchup with the New York Knicks. The six-time All-Star went down midway through the fourth quarter of the Heat’s 108–101 win. While he was able to stay in the game, cameras caught Miami head coach Erik Spoelstra looking worried before reacting with one word, saying:
“F**k”
— Spo on Jimmy Butler injury pic.twitter.com/zv2PqpzeAC
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) April 30, 2023
Heat star Jimmy Butler twisted his ankle in the final minutes
The Miami Heat Picked up a huge win over the New York Knicks on Sunday afternoon to kick off their Eastern Conference semifinals series at Madison Square Garden. The win, however, may have come at a pretty significant cost.
Heat star Jimmy Butler twisted his right ankle in the final minutes of the seven-point win. The Heat were leading 95-92 at the time of Butler’s injury, While he didn’t leave the game early, Butler was very ineffective down the stretch and was clearly in pain after the Game 1 win.
ABC Cassidy Hubbarth postgame: “How’s it feeling?”
Jimmy Butler: “Like a rolled ankle” pic.twitter.com/mfJS9cXkmV
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) April 30, 2023
When talking to media members, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra didn’t have any update on the injury, so it’s unclear what the official diagnosis is or if it will keep Butler sidelined for Game 2. “You just don’t know with ankle sprains,” Spoelstra said. “I don’t even know if we’ll know more about it tomorrow.”
@MiamiHeat head coach Eric Spoelstra post game about @JimmyButler ‘s ankle injury#WhiteHot#NYKnicks pic.twitter.com/Db1fXsFUgf
— Darko Dželetović (@DarDZel) April 30, 2023
Butler just over 48 hours to heal his injury
Butler’s status will likely be monitored over the coming days. He finished Game 1 with 25 points, 11 rebounds, four assists and two steals while shooting 8-16 from the field and 9-11 from the free-throw line. Game 2 will take place on Tuesday evening, giving Butler just over 48 hours to heal his injury.