DENVER — The sound was faint, then it was clear as it blasted through the speakers during the Miami Heat practice Saturday afternoon — the soulful melodies from The Isley Brothers and then, The Temptations.
The respective lead singers, Ronald Isley and the late David Ruffin, had distinctive voices in the old-school songs, a break from the usual music that’s played today during games all across sports.
Perhaps it was a message to Jimmy Butler, a throwback in today’s game but undoubtedly the lead singer for the Miami Heat. Butler had a nondescript NBA Finals opener after a promising opening minute or two, unable to produce the same magic he conjured in road games of the last three series.