The Miami Heat’s matchup against the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday night marks the return of former star Jimmy Butler.
However, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra has been more concerned with snapping the team’s 10-game losing streak.
“The best part about this is we’ve been so immersed in our own situation that if I said I hadn’t looked at the schedule, people would roll their eyes,” Spoelstra said after Sunday’s win over the Charlotte Hornets. “But honestly, I really haven’t had time to check it. We’ve just been trying to get a win. I was aware of it, but you stop paying attention after a while. That’s why the best way to stay sane is to focus on the present moment.”
Still, Spoelstra acknowledged the emotions surrounding Butler’s return. During his time in Miami, Butler helped the franchise reach a level of success not seen since LeBron James’s era. His time with the team reshaped his career narrative, silencing past criticisms about his character. Meanwhile, the Heat made two surprise Finals appearances and advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals three times.
“Of course, there will be plenty of emotions,” Spoelstra said. “I probably won’t share all of mine, and that’s okay. We had an incredible five-year run. We didn’t win a championship, but only one team does. We had some great moments together. In the end, that’s what sticks with you, no matter what anyone feels right now.”
Jayden Armant, a graduate of the Howard University School of Communications, is a contributor to Miami Heat.