Neymar Shows Support for Heat Before NBA Finals, Jimmy Butler Responds
Neymar continues to captivate the media's attention despite being sidelined with an ankle injury since February, according to Sambafoot.
The Brazilian football star has recently made frequent public appearances, fueling speculation about his future at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
Neymar's busy schedule may soon include attending the 2023 NBA Finals, following his appearances at a Counter-Strike tournament and the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix.
Jimmy Butler, a key player for the Miami Heat, expressed his desire to have Neymar present courtside for Game 1 against the Denver Nuggets.
Butler eagerly anticipates Neymar's attendance when the Finals return to Miami for Games 3 and 4, as Games 1 and 2 will be played in Denver.
"He better be there. Ney, I know you're looking somewhere. That's my guy. Part of my routine on game days and off-days is I watch all types of sports of people who inspire me to be great, and he's one of them... With him in my corner, I think I'll be okay," Butler remarked.
Jimmy Butler on Neymar's support for him and the Heat in the NBA Finals:
"He better be there. Ney, I know you're looking somewhere. That's my guy. Part of my routine on game-days and off-days is I watch all types of sports of people who inspire me to be great and he's one of… pic.twitter.com/7N9xHtkMgC— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) June 1, 2023
Given the strong bond between Neymar and Jimmy Butler, it is no surprise that Neymar sent a message to NBA Brasil supporting Butler's team in the playoffs.
Neymar fechadao com o Jimmy Butler e o Miami na final. ❤️🔥🏀 pic.twitter.com/xeQotXCH2K
— njdeprê - marlon (@njdmarlon) June 1, 2023
The Miami Heat's top athlete has expressed that he draws motivation from witnessing exceptional athletes across various sports, with Neymar being one of his inspirations.
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Neymar Congratulates Jimmy Butler
Following the Miami Heat's triumphant win over the Boston Celtics on Monday night, securing their spot in the NBA Finals, Neymar took a moment to congratulate his close friend, Jimmy Butler, Sportskeeda noted.
Despite the Heat initially holding a 3-0 series lead against the Celtics, the Celtics managed to win the next three games, setting the stage for a thrilling Game 7.
With the opportunity to make NBA history by clinching the series on their home court, the Celtics faced an intense battle, but it was the Heat who emerged victorious with a commanding 103-84 win.
After the game, when Bam Adebayo offered assistance to help Jimmy Butler lift the Bob Cousy Trophy, Butler graciously declined, expressing his unwavering focus on securing an NBA championship. He assured his teammate that he would be the one to hoist the prestigious Larry O'Brien Trophy.
News of the game spread like wildfire on social media, capturing the attention of fans worldwide, including Neymar Jr. himself.
Soccer superstar, Neymar, took to Twitter to share words of encouragement, addressing Butler as "MVP" and offering his heartfelt congratulations, adding, "4 left."
MVP …
— Neymar Jr (@neymarjr) May 30, 2023
Parabéns irmão ♥️@JimmyButler
Faltam 4 … 🔥🏆 pic.twitter.com/Hb49zkp0WA
Neymar and Jimmy Butler
Jimmy Butler proudly represented Team USA in basketball during the 2016 Olympics held in Rio de Janeiro. However, an encounter with Brazilian soccer sensation Neymar Jr. left a lasting impression on the Miami Heat star.
Before the championship game, Butler attended a match at the iconic Maracana stadium to witness Neymar in action.
Butler's admiration for Neymar soared when the Brazilian forward played a crucial role in securing the Olympic gold medal for his country. Reflecting on the experience, Butler expressed his awe, stating, "I watched the greatest soccer player of all time win gold as well. You know who I'm talking about, right? He won gold in his own country, which is even better."
Recounting Neymar's standout performance, Butler marveled at his skills on the field and the electrifying atmosphere in the stadium. A single visit left a lasting impression on Butler's soccer fandom.
Since that encounter, Butler and Neymar have forged a close friendship, often spending their offseasons together. Their camaraderie is evident through various images and videos shared on social media, capturing their bond both on and off the field.
Butler's newfound passion for soccer extended beyond his admiration for Neymar. He crossed paths with Paul Pogba's mother during a visit to Africa, leading to an introduction to the French football star. This connection blossomed into a friendship, with Butler even making a trip to Manchester to cheer on Pogba's club.
As Butler's Miami Heat advance to the NBA Finals, speculation arises that Neymar may reciprocate the support and attend a game in Miami.
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This article is owned by Latin Post.
Written by: Bert Hoover
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