Things Get Chippy Between Jimmy Butler, Chris Paul In Preseason Matchup

Bryan Townes | 2 Hours Ago

Oct 15, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) drives to the basket against San Antonio Spurs forward Jeremy Sochan (10) during the third quarter at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images / Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

As if there weren’t enough things fans need to feel optimistic about this season for the Miami Heat, an engaged Jimmy Butler trash-talking with Chris Paul in the preseason certainly gets added to the list.

It started late in the second quarter of the Miami Heat's victory against the San Antonio Spurs. Butler wrapped up by Paul while driving to the basket. Before he shot his free throws, Butler clapped while looking at Paul.

A few possessions later, Paul fouled Nikola Jovic. That led to Butler sprinting over to pick up his teammate. There was more clapping in Paul's direction.

On the next possession, Butler body-checked Paul intentionally for the foul. The two started jawing at each other until Butler laughed it off.

Bully ball. pic.twitter.com/igX2dNJZ2F

— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) October 16, 2024

Butler finished with 12 points, four rebounds, three steals, and one block on 80 percent shooting from the field.

Butler has been active in the Heat’s preseason games this season. It felt like Tuesday was the most he was engaged for a preseason game throughout his tenure in Miami. This is a welcomed sight for fans because he usually does not increase the intensity this much during the regular season.  

With the Heat having high expectations for this year and a goal to have a new locked-in focus, Butler being the team leader and displaying it is an positive sign for the season.

Bryan Townes is a contributor to Miami Heat On SI. He can be reached at btownesjr@gmail.com or on X @bryantownesjr11. Follow our coverage on Facebook.