Google News Erik Spoelstra opens on decision to shut down Jimmy Butler for second half of Game 3
by DZEVAD MESIC | VIEW 1529
Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra revealed it was the team's medical staff that said Jimmy Butler should sit out the second half of Game 3 versus the Boston Celtics. After playing 19 minutes in the first half, Butler didn't get a second in the second half as the team shut him down for the remainder of the game due to a knee inflammation.
Butler, who has been posting monster numbers throughout the entire playoffs, scored eight points before he was shut down for the second half. The Heat were up by 15 at halftime and in the end managed to win Game 3 by a 109-103 score and take a 2-1 lead in the series.
"He didn't have his, like, normal explosive burst," Spoelstra said of Butler. "He's been able to manage this. I think the next two days will be really important, obviously. "At halftime, really, the trainers made the call. Just feel like we've been in this situation a lot with a few of our guys.
We almost have to restrain them. We get it, and we love it about them, how they are wired. But we also don't want to be irresponsible."
Bam Adebayo stepped up for the Heat in the absence of Butler
Heat star center Adebayo came up absolutely big in Game 3 as he did a bit of everything.
Adebayo scored 31 points, grabbed 10 rebounds and also had six assists. The Celtics cut the deficit down to just one with under three minutes to play but then Kyle Lowry found Max Strus, who knocked down a three-pointer that lifted the Heat to a four-point lead.
The Heat were then able to close out the game and take a 2-1 lead going into Game 4. When it comes to Butler, he has been battling a knee issue throughout the playoffs and he should be ready for Game 4. The pressure is now on the Celtics as they would be in an extremely difficult spot if they lose Game 4.
