Jimmy Butler ensures Recreation 2 victory for Warmth initially appeared on NBC Sports activities Chicago

Say no matter you would like about Jimmy Butler. He is a person of confidence.

Friday, he’ll look to will the Miami Warmth to a series-evening victory over the Los Angeles Lakers in Recreation 2 of the NBA Finals after the Warmth dropped Recreation 1 116-98, trailing by as many as 32 within the second half.

However even that lopsided margin of defeat — and the truth that the Warmth are enjoying with out Bam Adebayo (shoulder) and Goran Dragić (foot) in Recreation 2 — is not deterring Butler.

“Coming into Recreation 2. All of the adversity, backs in opposition to the wall, yada yada yada. We’re gonna win,” he mentioned pregame.

The percentages are lengthy, however Butler has each proper to hubris at this level. Miami’s path up to now has featured simply 4 whole losses. In successful the Japanese Convention, they took out the top-seeded Bucks and favored Boston Celtics with crisp offense, energetic protection and steely poise within the largest moments.

These Lakers are, in fact, a special proposition. With out Adebayo, the Warmth’s beginning middle and, at occasions, finest participant of the playoff run, slowing a Los Angeles frontcourt that bludgeoned them after they went small in Recreation 1 can be a tall activity. Anthony Davis posted 34 factors, 9 rebounds, 5 assists and three blocks in a dominating efficiency to open the sequence. LeBron James (25 factors, 13 rebounds, 9 assists) practically posited a triple-double, and was sometimes all-encompassing.

However would not it’s one thing if Butler, enjoying on a dinged up ankle himself, and the Warmth may pull off an upset and make this sequence a aggressive one? The video games, in spite of everything, aren’t performed on paper. And Butler’s spent his profession proving doubters unsuitable.