Knicks' Josh Hart Jokes Heat's Jimmy Butler 'Does Side Quests' Until NBA Playoffs

Ahead of Tuesday night's matchup between the New York Knicks and Miami Heat, Knicks guard Josh Hart made a hilarious-but-accurate observation about Heat star Jimmy Butler.

While speaking to reporters, Hart used an analogy to describe how Butler turns up the level of his play as the postseason approaches.

"Jimmy kind of does side quests during the year until about April," Hart said. "Then he starts locking in. I'm sure people are going to see that maniac competitive side now that he's done with the side quests and he's on to the main quest."

Of course, "Playoff Jimmy" has been proven to be more than just a fun nickname. Butler has led the Heat to NBA Finals appearances twice in the last four seasons, frequently upsetting higher-seeded teams along the way.

Last season when Butler led Miami to the NBA Finals against the eventual champion Denver Nuggets, he upped his scoring average from 21.0 points in the regular season to 26.9 points in the playoffs. He is still chasing an elusive NBA title, so he will be motivated once again to put the Heat on his back this year.

Entering Tuesday's game, Miami ranks seventh in the Eastern Conference with a 41-33 record and trails the Indiana Pacers by one game for the No. 6 spot. Even if the Heat land in the play-in tournament, they will surely be confident thanks to having Butler to carry them through the postseason.