NBA Fans Rip Heat for Loss to Giannis, Bucks amid Jimmy Butler Suspension, Trade Buzz
January 24, 2025
With no Jimmy Butler, the Miami Heat were no match for the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday.
The Bucks handled the Heat 125-96 with Butler serving a two-game suspension for a "continued pattern of disregard of team rules, insubordinate conduct and conduct detrimental to the team." It's the second time Butler has been suspended since requesting a trade. The first suspension was a seven-game ban he received earlier this month, also for conduct detrimental to the team.
The one bright spot for the Heat was rookie big man Kel'el Ware, who posted 22 points and 10 boards in the loss. Tyler Herro was Miami's second-leading scorer with 21 points, but it came on an inefficient 6-of-19 from the field.
On the Bucks' side, Damian Lillard put together a big night with 29 points and 11 assists while his co-star Giannis Antetokounmpo added 25 points and 12 boards. Gary Trent Jr. was productive off the bench, scoring 21 points in the dominant win.
As Milwaukee rolled through the Heat, fans ripped Miami's decision to suspend Butler.
Brady Hawk @BradyHawk305Just so I have this timeline correct:<br><br>Tuesday - Lit up by Joe Cronin's Blazers at home<br><br>Wednesday - Jimmy Butler suspended for a second time<br><br>Thursday - Damian Lillard catching fire late in first half to lead by 16<br><br>Idk what I'd say if you told me this last off-season
At this point, it's just a waiting game for both Butler and the Heat. It's clear Butler has no interest in remaining with the team, and he's just hoping Miami will trade him soon. If and when that trade comes, the Heat will look to get a good haul in return for him and try to salvage what is left of their season.