Heat handle 'adversity' again, tie NBA Finals with Game 2 win - ESPN

DENVER — Jimmy Butler believes there is a simple reason the Miami Heat remain so resilient throughout the most unlikely postseason run in recent memory.

After finishing off a 111-108 win over the Denver Nuggets in Game 2 of the NBA Finals on Sunday night, evening the series at 1-1, Butler offered an explanation as to why this particular group, the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference, continues to find a way to win games.

«I just think nobody cares on our team,» Butler said, after scoring 21 points and dishing out nine assists in 40 minutes. «We're not worried about what anybody thinks. We're so focused in on what we do well and who we are as a group that at the end of the day, that's what we fall back on. Make or miss shots, we're going to be who we are because we're not worried about anybody else. That's how it's been all year long, and that's not going to change. So that's what I think it is. I think it's the 'I don't give a damn' factor.»

Both Butler and Heat coach Erik Spoelstra have repeatedly praised their tough-minded group for being able to find ways to win no matter the circumstances. It's a mantra the veteran coach hit on again after the Heat's most important win to date.

«We faced a lot of adversity during the season,» Spoelstra said. «We handled it the right way where you are not making excuses about it, the injuries, the changing lineups. Because of all that adversity and the 57 close games that happened, due to a lot of that, it hardened us. It steeled us, and we developed some grit, which is what we all want.

»We want to be able to have that privilege of having adversity and being able to overcome it. You gain strength from that. But this is a very tough opponent. They have our full respect, for sure."

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