<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/jimmy-butler">Jimmy Butler</a> seems determined to prove that he is still Miami Heat‘s cornerstone. Amid months of speculation surrounding his contract extension, the six-time All-Star made it clear during media day that he is fully committed to leading the team to the NBA Finals this season. And he made sure coach Erik Spoelstra is well aware of his intentions.



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/erik-spoelstra">Spoelstra</a> said a couple of days ago when asked about Butler: “He needs me to coach him at a high level and push him to higher levels. And I need him to be at his highest level as a player and a leader.”



When informed of Spoelstra’s comments, the six-time <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> All-Star replied, “As you said, he needs me,” and then added, “But I’m probably going to need him more than he needs me…. He’s teaching me how to be a better basketball player, a better leader, a better human being overall. At every level he’s won. I still want to reach that point where I can say I won.“



<h2>Butler eyes redemption with Heat</h2>



Last season, Jimmy Butler had to watch from the sidelines as his <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/miami-heat">Miami Heat</a> teammates lost in five games to the Boston Celtics in the first round of the playoffs. A medial collateral ligament (MCL) sprain forced Butler to watch from the bench, a blow that proved pivotal in Miami’s early exit.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://media.bolavip.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/27192016/Jimmy-Butler-1024x576-1024x576.webp" alt="Jimmy Butler" class="wp-image-232835" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure></div><figcaption>Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat reacts against the Atlanta Hawks during double overtime at State Farm Arena on April 09, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. </figcaption></figure>



Now the small forward acknowledged that it motivated him “a lot” to face the upcoming season with even more energy, and explained: “I know what the city deserves, what the city wants and that’s a championship. We are fueled enough to go and get that trophy at the end.”


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-news-jimmy-butler-sends-very-clear-message-to-heat-president-pat-riley" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20241002_BUS_243716_Jimmy-Butler-1.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler addressed the failed contract extension negotiations with team president Pat Riley ahead of the 2024-25 NBA season.
" title="NBA News: Jimmy Butler sends very clear message to Heat president Pat Riley" publication_id="BUS#/nba/nba-news-jimmy-butler-sends-very-clear-message-to-heat-president-pat-riley"></div>


<h2>Butler, Heat have been close</h2>



Butler’s ultimate goal remains unchanged: to bring an NBA championship back to Miami. Despite leading the Heat to two NBA Finals appearances in his five seasons with the franchise, the elusive title has slipped through his grasp. In 2020, Miami fell to the Los Angeles Lakers in six games, and in 2023, they were swept by the Denver Nuggets. Perhaps this is the season when Butler finally claims the crown.

NBA News: Jimmy Butler makes something clear to Heat coach Erik Spoelstra

NBA News: Jimmy Butler makes something clear to Heat coach Erik Spoelstra - Bolavip US

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<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/inter-miami">Inter Miami</a> will face Columbus Crew tonight on Matchday 36 of the 2024 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/mls">MLS</a> season and will have the historic opportunity to win the Supporters’ Shield for the first time. That’s why fans are eagerly awaiting confirmation on <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lionel-messi">Lionel Messi</a>‘s availability for this crucial match at Lower.com Field.



The Argentine forward is the focal point of Inter Miami’s attack, and his presence could be the decisive factor in securing a win that would propel the team to a new title. Head coach <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/gerardo-martino">Gerardo Martino</a> is well aware of Leo’s impact, which is why Messi is expected to start for Inter Miami against Columbus Crew tonight.



Messi has fully recovered from the ankle injury he sustained during Argentina’s 2024 Copa America final against Colombia. Since returning to action on September 14, he scored three goals in four matches, playing a key role in maintaining Inter Miami’s strong form and dominance in the standings.



<h2>What do Inter Miami need to win the Supporters’ Shield?</h2>



The Herons have been the standout team in the 2024 MLS season, leading the Eastern Conference with 65 points. Their closest rivals, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/columbus-crew">Columbus Crew</a>, sit on 57 points, making tonight’s match a potential title decider.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://media.bolavip.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/27184329/Lionel-Messi-10-1-1024x576-1024x576.webp" alt="Lionel Messi Inter Miami" class="wp-image-241885" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure></div><figcaption>Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami kicks the ball against the Charlotte FC during the first half of the game at Chase Stadium on September 28, 2024 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.</figcaption></figure>



With only four games remaining in the regular season, a win for Inter Miami in Ohio would secure the Supporters’ Shield for the first time in their history. A draw would keep Columbus Crew’s hopes alive for a few more days, though the odds would be heavily stacked against them. On the other hand, a victory for the home side would keep the race wide open, making for a thrilling finale to the season.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/inter-miami-breaking-all-marketing-and-commercial-records-in-lionel-messis-second-year" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20241002_BUS_243815_Lionel-Messi-10-of-Inter-Miami-looks-on-prior-to-a-game-against-the-Charlotte-FC-at-Chase-Stadium-o.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="An ESPN report indicates that Inter Miami and Lionel Messi have scored a golazo when it comes to marketing, sponsorship, and revenue in 2024.
" title="Inter Miami breaking all marketing and commercial records in Lionel Messi’s second year" publication_id="BUS#/soccer/inter-miami-breaking-all-marketing-and-commercial-records-in-lionel-messis-second-year"></div>


<h2>Messi isn’t Columbus Crew’s only concern</h2>



While Messi will undoubtedly be a focal point, Inter Miami boast a roster filled with star talent. Martino is expected to field a strong lineup, featuring notable names such as <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/jordi-alba">Jordi Alba</a>, Luis Suarez, and rising midfield star Federico Redondo.



Inter Miami’s predicted lineup vs Columbus Crew: Drake Callender; Ian Fray, Tomas Aviles, Noah Allen, Jordi Alba; Yannick Bright, Julian Gressel, Federico Redondo; Robert Taylor, Lionel Messi, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/luis-suarez">Luis Suarez</a>.

Is Lionel Messi playing today for Inter Miami vs Columbus Crew on Matchday 36 of 2024 MLS season?

Is Lionel Messi playing today for Inter Miami vs Columbus Crew on Matchday 36 of 2024 MLS season? - Bolavip US

During the Miami Heat’s media day ahead of the 2024-25 NBA season, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/jimmy-butler">Jimmy Butler</a> spoke about his future with the team, following unsuccessful talks with team president Pat Riley regarding a contract extension.



“I guess I gotta go out there and I gotta hoop,” Butler said. ”I’ve gotta prove that I’m a major part of winning, and rightfully so. I’ve done it before, this is no different.”



Reports indicate that the 35-year-old star entered the preseason aiming to secure a third year on his current deal, which would have raised his salary from $101.2 million to $161.7 million. However, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/pat-riley">Riley</a> and the Heat did not meet Butler’s proposal with a favorable response.



When asked if he had considered leaving the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/miami-heat">Heat</a> during the offseason, Butler left no room for speculation: “Nah, I’m good. An extension is just a couple of dollars. I’m cool, I’m telling you. I think I’ve made enough. I just want to play basketball.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://media.bolavip.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/27192016/Jimmy-Butler-1024x576-1024x576.webp" alt="Jimmy Butler" class="wp-image-232835" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure></div><figcaption>Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat reacts against the Atlanta Hawks during double overtime at State Farm Arena on April 09, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. </figcaption></figure>



<h2>Riley expects more from Butler</h2>



Although Riley has praised Jimmy, calling him an “incredible player” and someone who “moves the needle the most,” he hasn’t shied away from expressing concerns about Butler’s durability. The team president pointed to Butler’s physical condition as a critical factor in the decision-making process surrounding his contract. 


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-news-heats-nikola-jovic-opens-up-about-his-comeback-after-injury" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20240925_BUS_240385_Nikola-Jovic.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="Nikola Jovic, the Serbian gem of the Miami Heat, returns stronger than ever and is ready to showcase his talent in the NBA.
" title="NBA News: Heat&apos;s Nikola Jovic opens up about his comeback after injury" publication_id="BUS#/nba/nba-news-heats-nikola-jovic-opens-up-about-his-comeback-after-injury"></div>


“That’s a big decision on our part to commit those kinds of resources unless you have somebody who’s going to be there and available every single night,” Riley said a few months ago.



Rather than take offense, Butler seemed to agree with Riley’s perspective, stating, “I want to be available like Pat was talking about and I plan on being that. I plan on us winning a bunch of games and making everybody happy.”


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="" image="" excerpt="" title="" publication_id=""></div>


<h2>Can Jimmy deliver for the Heat?</h2>



There’s no doubt about Jimmy Butler’s importance to the Miami Heat, but concerns over his durability are valid. Since joining the team in 2019, Butler has missed 65 regular-season games due to various injuries.



That includes a medial collateral ligament sprain that sidelined him during last season’s first-round series against the Boston Celtics. Without Butler, the Heat struggled and were eliminated in five games. As the new <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> season approaches, the question remains: Can Jimmy Butler stay healthy and lead the Miami Heat back to the NBA Finals?

NBA News: Jimmy Butler sends very clear message to Heat president Pat Riley

NBA News: Jimmy Butler sends very clear message to Heat president Pat Riley - Bolavip US

As the highly anticipated NBA regular season approaches, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/victor-wembanyama">Victor Wembanyama</a> addressed the press at the San Antonio Spurs‘ media day. When asked about his goals, given his impressive rookie campaign and the lofty expectations from analysts, the French star was blunt: “I don’t have any actual responsibility to any of you (the media). Just the guys in the locker room and the training room with me, that’s it.”



Wembanyama was one of the most outstanding players during the last <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> season, earning Rookie of the Year honors and finishing second behind Minnesota Timberwolves’ Rudy Gobert in the Defensive Player of the Year voting.



When questioned about predictions from experts that this year he could become the league’s best player, “Wemby” remained grounded: “I know eventually I’m going to be in those conversations. As always, my emphasis is going to be on winning and helping my teammates, making my teammates better”.



<h2>Spurs’ expectations for the new season</h2>



Despite Wembanyama’s stellar individual performance, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/san-antonio-spurs">Spurs</a> struggled last season, finishing with a disappointing 22-60 record—second-to-last in the Western Conference—and failing to qualify for the playoffs.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://media.bolavip.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/27191928/GettyImages-2148082838-1024x683-1024x683.webp" alt="Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs dunks during the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies during the second half at FedExForum on April 09, 2024 in Memphis, Tennessee. " class="wp-image-233068" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure></div><figcaption>Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs dunks during the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies during the second half at FedExForum on April 09, 2024 in Memphis, Tennessee.</figcaption></figure>



The French center understands that those results won’t cut it this time around and that the team will have to raise the bar in this new season if they want to live up to the demands of the fans: “Last year, our expectation for ourselves was to learn…. I think, towards the end of this year, we expect to win.”


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-news-spurs-star-chris-paul-sends-special-message-to-teammate-victor-wembanyama" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20241001_BUS_243237_Paul.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="San Antonio Spurs&apos; new star Chris Paul dedicates a special statement to Victor Wembanyama, his new teammate in the 2024-25 NBA.
" title="NBA News: Spurs star Chris Paul sends special message to teammate Victor Wembanyama" publication_id="BUS#/nba/nba-news-spurs-star-chris-paul-sends-special-message-to-teammate-victor-wembanyama"></div>

 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="" image="" excerpt="" title="" publication_id=""></div>


<h2>Upcoming challenges</h2>



Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs will kick off their preseason on Monday, October 7, against the Oklahoma City Thunder, followed by games against the Orlando Magic, Utah Jazz, Miami Heat, and Houston Rockets. The team will open the NBA regular season on October 24 with a marquee matchup on the road against Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks.

NBA News: Victor Wembanyama has an important warning for Spurs teammates

NBA News: Victor Wembanyama has an important warning for Spurs teammates - Bolavip US

Alejandro Lopez Vega is a seasoned sports journalist who currently serves as a Subeditor at World Soccer Talk. With over thirteen years of experience in news writing, sports analysis, and event coverage, Alejandro specializes in soccer, star players, key leagues, and international competitions. Before joining WST, Alejandro brought his expertise to Bolavip US, where he further honed his skills in sports journalism. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with prominent media outlets in Rosario, Argentina, including Radio La Red and Radio Mitre, and has held significant roles in the Communication and Press Departments for the soccer teams Newell's Old Boys and Central Córdoba. Alejandro is bilingual in Spanish and English, enabling him to effectively engage with diverse audiences.

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NBA News: Jimmy Butler makes something clear to Heat coach Erik Spoelstra

Is Lionel Messi playing today for Inter Miami vs Columbus Crew on Matchday 36 of 2024 MLS season?

NBA News: Jimmy Butler sends very clear message to Heat president Pat Riley

NBA News: Victor Wembanyama has an important warning for Spurs teammates