It appears the reason for Jimmy Butler’s mysterious nonattendance has been revealed.
Source: Jimmy Butler missed the Heat’s opener against the Grizzlies to be at child’s birth.
— Clevis Murray (@ClevisMurray) October 24, 2019
Butler, 30, missed the Miami Heat’s season opener against the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday. The reason for his absence was initially cited as “personal reasons” by Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra. Despite the four-time All-Star’s absence, the Heat defeated the Grizzlies, 120-101.
While Butler is the Heat’s alpha, there was a strong supporting cast to supplant the veteran. Rookie sensation Tyler Herro replaced Butler in the starting lineup as he scored 14 points, while adding eight rebounds to the cause. Meanwhile, Justise Winslow led the way with 27 points, seven rebounds and seven assists in 37 minutes of action.
The star newcomer will get a chance to make his Heat debut again on Saturday against the Milwaukee Bucks.
