Heat star Jimmy Butler played nearly 43 minutes in game five, scoring 19 points on just five made field goals in a season-saving win for the Knicks.
Butler, nursing a recently sprained ankle, watched as Jalen Brunson and Quentin Grimes each shined for New York while playing a full 48 minutes with their season on the line.
As the series shifts back to Miami for game six, Butler is ready to do whatever it takes to ensure the series ends in South Beach, and won’t require a flight back to MSG for a decisive game seven.
So, if Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra asks Butler to do what Brunson and Grimes did in game five, he will be ready, and says Miami will come out on top.
“Your best is needed all 48 minutes, or more, if you’re going into overtime,” Butler said. “If Spo tells me to play 48 minutes, I will be suited and booted and ready to do that. And we'll win.”
Potential bulletin board material for the Knicks? With the season on the line, they shouldn’t need any further motivation, but perhaps every little bit helps.
Follow Ryan Chichester on Twitter: @ryanchichester1
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