Grant Williams recently gave an interview at the “Run Your Race” podcast where he talked about the details of the dramatic events of the playoffs that occurred between him and Jimmy Butler.
But this story took an unexpected turn when Butler’s agent Bernie Lee shot back with a short statement discrediting Williams’ story on Twitter. Fans are now left wondering what actually happened during the heated clash between the two players after hearing the agent’s surprise reaction.
Jimmy Butler’s manager accuses Grant Williams
During an appearance on ‘Run Your Podcast,’ the now-Dallas Mavericks forward Grant Williams remembered his playoff tussle with Jimmy Butler during the 2023 Eastern Conference Finals.
Williams claimed that he had scored more than the 6-time All-Star with 10 points compared to Butler’s 8, highlighting that clutch 3-pointers from Max Strus and Gabe Vincent led to Miami’s victory in Game 2.
Jimmy Butler’s agent calls out Grant Williams for lying pic.twitter.com/5Su0LxqycN
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 23, 2023
However, Bernard Lee, Jimmy’s agent, wasted no time denying Williams’ version of events. Lee retweeted the podcast clip with the caption, “This didn’t happen haha.”
Contrary to his claim, he only scored four points after the altercation with Butler, not 10. Additionally, it was not Strus and Vincent who made the crucial 3-pointers but rather Max Strus who made three free throws down the stretch.
The wrong facts in Williams’ story and the agent’s quick reply have brought the truth of the incident into question, leaving fans to speculate about the real events during that heated playoff matchup.
What happened between Jimmy Butler and Grant Williams in the NBA playoffs
Grant Williams and Jimmy Butler got into a heated tussle in Game 2 of the 2023 Eastern Conference Finals. After Williams scored a clutch three-pointer, there was some back and forth as they left the court. On the next possession, Butler scored a basket in retaliation by backing Williams into the paint and making contact with him, which led to a confrontation between the two players.
Jimmy Butler and Grant Williams. 🍿🍿
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) May 20, 2023
Williams spoke up about the heated situation after the game, explaining that he reacted to Butler’s actions in a competitive spirit. He agreed that Butler had defeated him that night. Williams stressed that even if they hadn’t spoken, Butler’s competitive attitude would have prompted him to raise his performance. The Celtics forward recognized Butler’s excellence on the court and in the locker room.
"I respect him as a motherf**** player"
Grant Williams gives the truth about his beef with Jimmy Butler pic.twitter.com/fmSOgcnsY8
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) May 20, 2023
Williams stressed the importance of making a statement and setting the tone for the series as the Celtics face a must-win position in Game 3. He encouraged his group to face the threat head-on and not back down. Jimmy Butler said that his play was boosted after his conversation with Williams, and he was the driving force behind the Heat’s triumph after trailing behind.
