Jimmy Butler Was So Happy to Run into TNT’s Ernie Johnson Before Heat-Celtics Game 2

The Heat star was thrilled to speak with the NBA on TNT studio host ahead of Friday’s game.

Jimmy Butler has been the anchor behind the Heat’s remarkable postseason run, one that required Miami to earn a playoff spot from the NBA’s play-in tournament in the Eastern Conference before dispatching the Bucks and the Knicks in the first two rounds.

Butler carried his tenacity into Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals against the Celtics on Wednesday, pouring in 35 points, seven assists, five rebounds and six timely steals to aid Miami in stealing the first game of series against Boston. And while Butler seeks to replicate another astounding performance in Game 2, the six-time All-Star took a moment to bask in the excitement of speaking with NBA on TNT host Ernie Johnson while filing into TD Garden on Friday afternoon.

As Butler grabbed his bags after they were checked by staff in the arena, Johnson approached the 33-year-old, shook his hand and told Butler how “fun” it is to watch him play. But, moments after the exchange, one can see that Butler was even more thrilled than Johnson at the interaction.

“I spoke to a legend today, y’all saw that? He knows who I am,” Butler said with a smile.

“He knows who I am” 😂@JimmyButler greeted by @TurnerSportsEJ ahead of Game 2 on TNT! pic.twitter.com/WMXVDTJrgV

— NBA (@NBA) May 19, 2023

Mannix: Jimmy Butler and the Heat Don’t Care If You Take Them Seriously

It goes to show that while Johnson and the crew on Inside the NBA have one of the coolest jobs in the world, players like Butler also enjoy the thrill of talking with those sitting behind the desk.