LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Jimmy Butler had a bandage on his right knee and a wrap on his left ankle. His team's starting point guard and center are both doubtful to play in Game 2 of the NBA Finals. And his Miami Heat are coming off a one-sided loss to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Given all that, Butler believes a perception exists that this series is already over.
"I beg to differ," Butler said Thursday.
Say this for the Heat: They're down but refuse to believe they're anywhere near out. Game 2 of the finals is Friday night, with Miami bracing to be without point guard Goran Dragic because of a torn left plantar fascia and All-Star Bam Adebayo due to a newly diagnosed neck injury on top of his ongoing shoulder issues.