MIAMI Heat slapped veteran guard Jimmy Butler with indefinite suspension for his continued pattern of disregard of team rules, engaging in conduct detrimental to the team, and intentionally withholding services.
According to a team statement, the recent suspension stemmed from Butler walking out from team practice, which according to reports was after he was informed that he was removed from the starting lineup.
āThe Miami HEAT are suspending Jimmy Butler without pay effective immediately for an indefinite period to last no fewer than five games,ā the team said in a statement on Monday (Tuesday in the Philippines).
āThe suspension is due to a continued pattern of disregard of team rules, engaging in conduct detrimental to the team and intentionally withholding services. This includes walking out of practice earlier today,ā it added.
This was the third time the Heat has punished Butler, who has recently informed the team management of his desire to be traded out, with Phoenix Suns as his preferred destination.
Despite Butler’s absence, the Heat (23-22) still managed to score a 125-119 double overtime victory against Orlando Magic (24-24) with Tyler Herro leading the way with 30 points, including four triples.
Meanwhile, Los Angeles Lakers (26-18) rode on the solid game of Anthony Davis to score a 112-107 victory over Charlotte Hornets (12-31) at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The former NBA top-overall pick finished with a double-double of 42 points and 23 rebounds to go with two assists and two blocks as the Lakers notched their fourth consecutive win.
LeBron James added 22 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds, while Austin Reaves and Max Christie contributed 17 and 10 markers, respectively, for the Lakers.
Miles Bridges led the Hornets with 26 points, Josh Okogie and Josh Green and 19 and 15 markers, respectively, while Mark Williams and Vasilije Micic ended with 11 points each./PN
