Heat fans collectively held their breath Sunday afternoon when Jimmy Butler appeared to suffer a significant ankle injury and could be seen in serious pain on the hardwood in Game 1 against the Knicks. Despite the apparent pain, Butler remained in the game with a noticeable limp and Miami pulled out a 108–101 win. After the game, Butler was asked how the injury is feeling.
“Like a rolled ankle,” he responded.
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.
Reporter: “Hows it (ankle) feeling”
— Mink Flow (@currypistonn) April 30, 2023
Jimmy Butler: “like a rolled ankle” pic.twitter.com/8hUJnQahSW
“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 suffered the injury in the fourth quarter with about five minutes to go when Josh Hart’s foot hit Butler’s, causing it to contort awkwardly on a drive. He was clearly walking gingerly for the remainder of the game and was limited in movement, but he still finished with 25 points and 11 boards. Game 2 is scheduled for Tuesday on TNT at 7:30 p.m. ET.
