Jimmy Butler’s first game back in Miami as a Golden State Warrior was anything but a warm homecoming. The Heat put together a tribute video to recognize his contributions, but the crowd wasn’t feeling sentimental. The boos rained down every time he touched the ball, and to make matters worse, the Heat dominated the Warriors with a 112-86 blowout win. It was a night filled with tension, nostalgia, and a reminder that not all reunions are sweet.
Miami Shows Love (Kind Of), Fans Show No Mercy
Before the game, Miami played a tribute video highlighting Butler’s 5½ seasons with the team. He was a key figure in their recent success, leading them to two NBA Finals and three Eastern Conference Finals appearances.
But while the organization showed respect, the fans didn’t hold back. Every time Butler got the ball, the boos echoed through the arena. The message was clear: they weren’t ready to forgive the way things ended.
Butler Struggles, Miami Runs the Show
If Butler was hoping to silence the boos with his play, it didn’t work. He finished with just 11 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists, struggling to get into a rhythm. Meanwhile, the Heat were locked in.
Bam Adebayo took control, dropping 27 points and 8 rebounds, while Tyler Herro chipped in 20 points and 7 assists. The Warriors, on the other hand, looked lost offensively, managing their lowest-scoring road game of the season.
Bad Blood: Butler vs. Pat Riley
The drama between Butler and Miami didn’t start last night—it had been brewing for a while. Butler was frustrated with his role and wanted a contract extension, but Pat Riley and the front office weren’t sold. They had concerns about his availability due to missed games and decided not to offer him the deal he wanted. That led to his trade to Golden State, where he secured a two-year, $111 million contract.
Butler didn’t mince words before the game when asked about Riley:
“I have nothing to say to Pat, and Pat better have nothing to say to me.”
It’s safe to say there’s no love lost between these two.
An Awkward Exit and a Tale of Two Teams
After the final buzzer, Butler walked straight off the court, not stopping to acknowledge his former teammates or coaches. Meanwhile, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr was seen chatting with Miami staff, highlighting just how frosty things have become between Butler and the Heat.
Beyond the personal drama, this game also showed how different things have been for these two teams since Butler’s departure. The Warriors had been 16-4 since trading for Butler, while the Heat were struggling, sitting 11 games below .500.
Final Thoughts
Butler’s return to Miami was anything but a storybook reunion. The Heat gave him a tribute, the fans gave him boos, and his former team gave him a humbling defeat. Whatever feelings remain between him and the organization, it’s clear the breakup still stings.
If this game was any indication, the Butler vs. Miami saga isn’t over yet.
