Butler vows Heat to respond for probable series-clinching G6 vs Knicks: ‘Only way is up from here’

After a lopsided Game 5 with the New York Knicks which resulted in a loss at their side, Jimmy Butler vowed that his Miami Heat team will be able to deliver a responsive performance on the pivotal Game 6 on Friday night.

“Everything, losing is encouraging. Maybe we can get better, I guess you could say. I hope that – the only way is up from here so we will be better coming out next game,” said Butler following the 112-103 loss against the Knicks.

“One thing that I do like about [this team] is we got the same energy in the locker room. We’re playing music, we’re gonna laugh, we’re gonna be in this team together – like I always say – through the good and bad, the wins and losses. Whenever we go back home, we’re going to be in this thing together through a win.”

After winning two games in a row back on their home turf to go up 3-1 on the second round set, the Heat missed plenty of opportunities to finally close out their series against the Knicks this Wednesday. They managed to post an early 24-14 lead back in the first frame, but weren’t able to maintain the hold of the momentum as the hustling Knicks got pumped up upon facing the adversity within the roaring Madison Square Garden.

Though they were able to rally back from being down 19 from the third quarter, Miami wasn’t able to match New York down the stretch – missing shots after shots upon their reliance on treys (13-of-43). They were also dominated on the glass department, tallying a total of 34 rebounds over the Knicks’ 50.

Butler posted 19 points in 5-of-12 shooting on a losing effort. These numbers are considerably low if compared to his previous heroic games for the Heat as he charged them for an unthinkable run.

As such, he can only look forward in the must-win Game 6, as this can catapult them in becoming the first eight-seeded team since the 1999 Knicks to advance to the Conference Finals.

“I’m looking forward to getting back to the crib. Miami is always good,” said Butler about the heading back home for the potential series-clinching Game 6.

“I’m enjoying my day off tomorrow. Clear my head along with everybody else, and then we’ll get ready to battle come Friday.”