Footage of preseason Jimmy Butler-Chris Paul Trash Talk leaked

Last week, Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler and San Antonio Spurs point guard Chris Paul had a small altercation during a preseason game.

Footage of their interaction was recently released via YouTube

“I don’t give a (expletive) how old you are,” Butler told Paul. “I don’t give a (expletive).”

It started late in the second quarter of the Miami Heat’s win over the San Antonio Spurs. Butler wrapped by Paul while driving to the basket. Before shooting his free throws, Butler clapped as he watched Paul.

A few possessions later, Paul fouled Nikola Jovic. That sent Butler sprinting to pick up his teammate. There was more applause in Paul’s direction.

On the next possession, Butler intentionally body-checked Paul for the foul. The two started jawing until Butler laughed.

“I don’t know, man,” Paul said. “It’s the same old, same old NBA. Nobody’s doing anything.”

Butler finished with 12 points, four rebounds, three steals and a block on 80 percent shooting from the field.

Butler has been active in the Heat’s preseason games this season. Tuesday appeared to be the most he was committed to for a preseason game during his tenure in Miami. This is a welcome sight for fans because the intensity doesn’t usually increase that much during the regular season.

With the Heat having high expectations for this year and the goal of having a new focus locked in, Butler being the team’s leader and showing it is a positive sign for the season.

Shandel Richardson is the editor of Miami Heat On SI. He can be reached at [email protected]

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