All-Star forward Jimmy Butler has been fined $15K for making an obscene gesture and the Heat organization was also fined $15K for posting Butler’s act on social media, the NBA announced (via Twitter).
The incident occurred on the bench in the second quarter of Miami’s Game 5 victory over Atlanta on Tuesday. Butler was sidelined for the contest with right knee inflammation.
The Heat closed out their first-round series in five games despite missing Butler and point guard Kyle Lowry (left hamstring strain). The team is hopeful both players will be available for the second-round matchup against either Philadelphia or Toronto, which will start next Monday.
Butler had another strong regular season for Miami, averaging 21.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 1.6 steals on .480/.233/.870 shooting in 57 games.
After leading the Heat to the Finals in 2019/20 with several brilliant performances, the 32-year-old struggled mightily in last year’s first-round sweep at the hands of the Bucks, posting averages of 14.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 7.0 assists and 1.3 steals on .297/.267/.727 shooting.
However, Butler was outstanding in Miami’s series win over Atlanta, averaging 30.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 2.8 steals on .543/.438/.794 shooting in four games. The Heat will need more strong play from the six-time All-Star in order to make another deep postseason run.