Miami Heat’s Nikola Jovic calls Jimmy Butler ‘the American self’ in postgame interview

Miami Heat forward Nikola Jovic is enjoying a good start to the season.

The 2022 first-round pick had a solid performance Friday night in the Heat’s 124-111 victory against the Indiana Pacers, securing their first NBA Cup victory. He added 11 points, six rebounds with an assist and a steal in 30 minutes.

Jovic played Friday’s game wearing a tight-fitting mask after being diagnosed with a reduced septum Tuesday night against the Detroit Pistons. His veteran teammate, Jimmy Butler, is no stranger to having fun with his teammates.

Friday night was no different when he was captured on the Heat bench wearing a face mask, taunting his young teammate.

After the match, Jovic was interviewed by FanDuel Sports Network. They asked him: “So you are the Serbian Jimmy Butler?”

“Or it’s the American self,” Jovic responded after a long pause.

In another clip posted to Twitter by HEAT on FanDuel Sports Network, Jovic further mocked his veteran teammate.

When asked “What was it like seeing Jimmy wearing a mask on the bench supporting you throughout the game?”, Jovic responded: “I mean, he’s just trying to be like me. It’s hard having all these fans around.” . …he’s just trying to be cool.”

Jovic averages eight points and four rebounds in 11 games, starting eight.

One thing is for sure: the teammate relationship between Jovic and Butler makes for fun entertainment.

Sean Jordan is a Miami Heat contributor to Sports Illustrated. He can be reached at [email protected].

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