During the preparations for Game 2 against the Boston Celtics, Jimmy Butler of the Miami Heat had an unexpected encounter with Ernie Johnson that caught him by surprise.

Butler exclaimed, "Y'all saw that! He knows who I am!," upon realizing that the renowned Johnson recognized him in the tunnels.

Jimmy Butler's Outstanding Performance

Given Butler's outstanding performance in the postseason, it is not surprising that the legendary Johnson approached him to say hello before the Heat-Celtics matchup.

While Butler transforms into a different persona once the game begins, he is known to be quite approachable before and after. When Johnson approached him, Butler couldn't hide his smile upon learning who was about to greet him. His amusing reaction to the moment was shared with laughter from Johnson and those around them.

In Game 1, Butler carried the Heat with an impressive stat line of 35 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and 6 steals. His performance led the Heat to a 123-116 victory over the Celtics, drawing comparisons to basketball icon Michael Jordan.

This interaction showcases the respect and admiration Johnson commands within the NBA. Having been part of the basketball landscape for a significant period, Johnson has consistently displayed professionalism. While he actively engages in humorous exchanges with the Inside the NBA crew, he has always acted appropriately when interacting with players.

Butler, known for his respect towards others, demonstrated this once again. The veteran player appears to be in high spirits.

Despite being overlooked by many, Butler and his teammates are undeterred. They are focused on their mission this season and view the Celtics as just another obstacle on their path to pursuing the NBA championship.