In the center of it all, still the most important player on the court, Jimmy Butler prepared for the coming stage by going one-on-one against 6-foot-4 reserve Javonte Smart, backing in for an easy basket.
This was after video session, after practice, after a team meeting Thursday where those the word, “champions,” was mentioned more than a few times and those owning a ring were noted.
The 6-8 Udonis Haslem then stepped on the court. Butler, at 6-7, used a first step and dribble to create an open jumper. Enter the smaller Smart again. Swish. Then the bigger Haslem. The ball bounces off the rim.
