Heat: Erik Spoelstra Explains Baffling Benching Of Jimmy Butler vs Bucks As Team Lose 3rd Straight

(Photo : Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 25: Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat looks on from the bench against the Boston Celtics during the fourth quarter in game five of the Eastern Conference Finals at TD Garden on May 25, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

Jimmy Butler has proven time and again that he is the man if a comeback is needed but he was not there when the Miami Heat had to climb from a huge deficit against the Milwaukee Bucks.

Heat , 114-122. Butler scored 13 points in 29 minutes although did not play in the fourth quarter.

Fans were left confused by the benching of Butler. Head coach Erik Spoelstra  saying he just did not feel the need to have him back after the reserves showed out.

"Our guys were changing the momentum," Spoelstra told reporters after the game when asked about Butler's lack of playing time.

"That sometimes can be frustrating when you're on the other side. They just want you to go away. Our guys were doing it with great energy and doing a lot of good things. Part of me also wanted to see if they could just continue to get it over the top."

The Heat reserves proved they deserve their playing time as they outscored the Bucks 41-25 in the fourth quarter. The lead was even down to six points with under 28 seconds left in the game.

A repeat of last season?

The Heat fell to 1-3 this season, something Heat fans have seen from last year.

They struggled during the regular season but charged their way to the NBA Finals eventually.

 are the Indiana Pacers and the Charlotte Hornets.