Miami Heat small forward Jimmy Butler believes his team will win Game 4 of the 2023 NBA Finals against the Denver Nuggets on June 9.
The Heat trail the best-of-seven series 2-1 after losing Game 3 at home on June 7.
“Obviously, I expect to win,” Butler said. “But what makes me proud is these guys are never out of the fight. They’re so joyful because we’re in this thing together, through good and through bad. I’m proud of my guys for that. I love my guys for that. Tomorrow, we’re going to come out with a lot more energy. We’re going to compete at a high level. We’re going to get one at home.”
The Heat pretty much have to win Game 4 since only one team in NBA history has won the Finals after trailing 3-1. The 2016 Cleveland Cavaliers, led by LeBron James, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love, defeated the 73-9 Golden State Warriors in the 2016 Finals despite going down 3-1.
NBA NEWS & FINALS COVERAGE: Jimmy Butler, Miami Heat & Denver Nuggets Updates
Butler is averaging 20.7 points, 4.3 rebounds and 6.7 assists in the Finals. However, the All-Star believes he can play better moving forward. He’s shooting only 42.1% from the field through the first three games.
“Just some missed shots. It’s part of the game. It’ll get better,” Butler said. “But missed shots, made shots, we’ve just got to win because then nobody is paying attention to it, which we will do. I will be better because whenever I’m better, we are better as a whole.
NBA NEWS & FINALS COVERAGE: Jimmy Butler, Miami Heat & Denver Nuggets Updates
“I wouldn’t change anything. Not one thing. I continue to be who I am. We will continue to be who we are as a group, as a team. We’re going to go out here and compete together. We’re going to win together. We’re going to be who we are. I wouldn’t change a thing, though.”
Want the latest in NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
