Jimmy Butler’s health issue caused problems for the Miami Heat in their recent game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday night. The Thunder won 104-97, and the Heat struggled early on. Jimmy Butler injured his ankle in the first quarter, and fans were upset to see him play only seven minutes in the game.
His stomach illness surprised everyone because it was first thought to be an ankle injury. He twisted his ankle with under eight minutes left in the first quarter and limped off.
Rather than returning, he sought assistance from the trainer and proceeded to the locker room. Later the team said on Twitter that he wouldn’t return. Fans were upset and asked why Butler played while not feeling well.
Here’s the Lu Dort steal followed by Jimmy Butler walking off gingerly. He went into the locker room following this play. @MetaQuestVR @XtadiumVR pic.twitter.com/vSZapc4KMc
— Nick Crain (@CrainNBA) December 21, 2024
But Coach Erik Spoelstra backed Butler, saying, “If guys say they can, we’re going. I’m not thinking any other thought… No, if guys say they can go, we’re going right now.”
Fans react to Jimmy Butler’s illness during play
Fans flooded social media, asking sportsbooks to cancel their bets on Butler. Many called the sportsbooks a scam. Some wanted their money back, while others were so angry they wanted Jimmy Butler to be fined for not returning to the game.
Fans are confused because such illnesses are rare in NBA games, and they are unaware of the severity of Butler’s stomach illness, which prevented him from returning to play.
It can’t be legal for jimmy butler to play in a game people bet on and LEAVE IN THE FIRSR QUARTER WITH MY MONEY ON THE LINE BRO wtf
— Rey 🧪 (@whoIelottarey) December 21, 2024
Had Jimmy butler for every slip like the bullshit they jus did is insane. Clearly hurt his ankle then rule him out because he’s “sick” ?? Like bro there is clearly something going on in the NBA and betting this is crazy
— 🛤️ (@Gorrilla_black) December 21, 2024
Jimmy Butler being sick and going out on the court for 1 qtr so he doesn’t get voided is fucking nasty work
— ANDREW (@O392S) December 21, 2024
Jimmy Butler is the only person who’s gonna ruin my ticket smh.
— EB (@trip2erie) December 21, 2024
So Jimmy Butler gets subbed out cause or an injury and then they say he wont return cause he’s sick??? NBA teams should get fined for that. Messing with our parlays
— Langston Asiatico (@lebrangston) December 21, 2024
The fact that he played knowing he felt ill is terrible… Then he has that little minor ankle tweak and walks to the locker room! FUCK JIMMY BUTLER! 🖕🏾 https://t.co/jx0XXKc3mY
— Bobby Dont Try Me (@BlockBoy2100) December 21, 2024
Jimmy butler should be voided that was such a nasty play. Dude got in the game for 7 minutes, took no shots, and left and didn’t return. Sad if FanDuel doesn’t void that bullshit…
— Topherr68 (@topherr68) December 21, 2024
