Is Jimmy Butler Nostradamus? It’s a valid question at this point.
The Heat star led his team to the 2023 NBA Finals after calmly predicting that Miami would beat the Celtics on the road in Game 7 at the TD Garden. He had previously vowed to get the Heat to the finals after failing to do so at Boston’s hands in 2022, so that victory actually made good on two promises.
Coco Gauff wasn’t surprised by the Heat’s victory. According to her, it serves as just one example of Butler’s brazen confidence.
MORE: French Open 2023 schedule
Speaking with reporters following her opening round French Open win vs. Rebeka Masarova, Gauff lauded the Eastern Conference Finals MVP for his mental fortitude. And she revealed that she tapped into Butler’s intense persona while facing off with Masarova, overcoming an opening-set defeat to cruise to victory, 3-6, 6-1, 6-2.
“Honestly, today, I told myself if Jimmy Butler didn’t freak out when they were up 3-0 and all of a sudden it’s 3-all, then I shouldn’t freak out after losing the first set,” Gauff said.
Gauff would have good insight into Butler’s headspace. The tennis star from Florida has become friendly with him since her breakout win over Venus Williams at Wimbledon in 2019.
And Gauff says Butler’s unwavering belief in himself and his…
