Jimmy Butler had a personal reason for missing Miami’s game against the Boston Celtics. Miami’s Sunday loss to the Boston Celtics was 110-106 without the star forward.
The club has granted Butler a leave of absence due to the passing of a family member.
Before the All-Star break, the team plays this week in Milwaukee and Philadelphia, so it’s unclear how long Butler will be out of the p.
Through Butler’s agent, Bernie Lee, the Heat released a statement stating, “Jimmy Butler has been granted a leave of absence as he deals with the death of a family member.”
“At this point, Jimmy and his family are requesting privacy as they process this loss. Updates will be provided as needed.”
This season, Butler has been the Heat’s best player. Although he got off to a slow start this season, he has worked really hard in the last few months.
Butler, 34, has averaged team-highs in points (21.4), assists (4.6), and steals (1.3) in 37 games this season (all starts).
50% of his field goals and 44% of his 3-pointers were made by him.
The Heat’s six-game road trip will continue with a matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks.
With four points, Jayson Tatum led the Celtics to victory and was just inches away from a triple-double.
In the end, he finished with 26 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists. Kristaps Porzingis contributed 25 points and nine rebounds, while Jaylen Brown finished with 20 points.
They now have a 41-12 record and made nearly 51% of their field goals as a team.
