Jimmy Butler entered the 2024 NBA season with high expectations, adding a serious atmosphere to the NBA. Miami Heat What many consider to be the most important year of his tenure with the team. However, the season opener against the Orlando Magic did not go as planned, as Butler had one of the worst performances of his career, finishing with a brutal stat line of three points, four rebounds and five assists while shooting 12.5 percent from the field. area.

An NBA satire, “Butler’s key card to Heat’s practice facility temporarily disabled for ‘routine maintenance'” x account It was released Wednesday night after Butler finished with a box score of +/- 30. There was so much more where that came from.

The disappointing start for Butler comes on the heels of an offseason filled with tension and unresolved contract negotiations between him and team president Pat Riley. Butler’s infamous playoff trolling against the New York Knicks and Boston Celtics last year left a bad taste in Riley’s mouth and further complicated their relationship. Trade rumors have been swirling around Butler, and with no contract extension in place, this season could be his last opportunity to solidify his future with the Heat.

Despite Butler’s struggles, the game was competitive throughout the first half, and Orlando took a narrow four-point lead into the third quarter. But the Heat’s offense collapsed, they gave up 14 consecutive goals and were in a hole they couldn’t escape. While Paolo Banchero had an impressive performance for Magic with 33 points, Franz Wagner also contributed with 23 points in a few minutes. Magic’s duo defeated Miami, whose offensive performance faltered badly.

Head coach Erik Spoelstra acknowledged the team’s difficulties post game“They absolutely overwhelmed us. “Offensively, we have to rely on some of the things we’ve been working on…we just couldn’t match what they had.”

The good news for Butler and the Heat is that the season is just getting started. With 81 more games to play, they have plenty of time to turn things around, starting next match against the young Charlotte Hornets.