*I just watched Jimmy's fall again and I don't know how that's a "sore glute." I see a twisted ankle and he was limping like he twisted his ankle.
...what should have been a celebratory postgame — big win, series lead, halfway to upsetting the NBA's top overall seed — was anything but, after Oladipo left in the fourth quarter after a knee injury that had the Heat fearing very bad news. (AP for ESPN)
Injuries have now become the biggest story in this series. The Bucks were without two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo for a second consecutive game because of a bruised lower back, an injury he suffered in Game 1. The Heat were already without Tyler Herro because of a broken right hand, also from Game 1.
Butler wasn't moving well, and Oladipo's situation — even without the Heat offering an initial diagnosis yet — did not seem good, based on the instant reaction of disbelief from teammates and staffers who rushed to his side as he grabbed at the knee.
...
With the win, the Heat are halfway to what would be a stunner — a No. 8 seed over a No. 1 seed, something that’s happened only five times since the NBA went to the 16-team playoff format in 1984.
Those who pulled it off: Denver over Seattle 3-2 in 1994, New York over Miami 3-2 in 1999, Golden State over Dallas 4-2 in 2007, Memphis over San Antonio 4-2 in 2011 and Philadelphia over Chicago 4-2 in 2012.
Not one in 11 yrs!
Butler got hurt...a sore glute... midway through the third quarter after trying a shot near the rim and landing on his back. He stayed in the game briefly, departed for a short stint in the locker room and returned with a large wrap on his back — with the Heat saying he would return.
It pales in comparison to Vic's knee but, and I don't want to jinx him, there was a weirdness to Jimmy's reaction to his fall. He didn't immediately grimace or grab, his pain was delayed a split second. A sore glute? Would seem that a glute would be sorest at the moment of impact. This wasn't that. And when he got up he was hobbling like he had sprained an ankle. The whole thing was weird. I HOPE it's just a sore glute
He didn’t, because he didn’t have to. The game was in hand, and Miami eventually led by as many as 29.
