Miami Heat's Jimmy Butler labeled 'Psychotic' ahead of Knicks game as he becomes The Garden's next villain.

Miami Heat's Jimmy Butler is a fierce competitor, who is destined to face the New York Knicks in the second round of the NBA playoffs. Following Miami's victory against the top-seeded Milwaukee Bucks in a gentleman's sweep that was executed with a dramatic overtime victory, Butler showed no sign of being overwhelmed by the moment or the MSG environment like the Cavaliers did. The match against Knicks will be full of nostalgia and intensity, and given Butler's track record, he won't disappoint. Having a player like Butler in one's team is a privilege, he will do everything to win, and his ferocity on the pitch is unparalleled. Butler's competitiveness is remarkable, and he will make everybody in the building feel it.

Butler has shown he is a beast on the field, and he carries the team on his back to accomplish the apparently unattainable. He averaged 37.6 points over the five games against Milwaukee while shooting 60% and scored 56 points in a previous game. Even in pressure situations, he has proven to give his best; he buried the tying bucket in the final second of regulation while falling backwards in the closeout game on Wednesday.

Although Butler has already dismissed the storylines of the historical rivalry and arena, the intensity level of his game gives an impression that Madison Square Garden and the Knicks are perfect match for him. "We’ve just got to beat them four times. I understand you’re trying to hype it up. But we’re going to go out there and compete. We’re going to be the better group. And we’re going to be together through good and through bad, just like we were in this series. So whether we play in Miami, whether we play in the Garden or we play in Rucker Park, we need to win four games.” Butler has made it clear that winning is their priority, no matter the location.

Despite Butler's intimidating presence, the Heat was the preferred matchup for the Knicks. The Knicks were swept in the regular season by the Bucks, whereas they won their season series against the Heat, including two victories in March, where Julius Randle played a big part in the success. However, Randle's status is up in the air after re-aggravating his sprained ankle against Cleveland. Even before his injury, he was struggling, shooting just 34% in the Cavs series. Jalen Brunson would have to take the responsibility of replacing Randle.

Having secured a place in the second round, Miami Heat is ready to take on the Knicks. To make his team win, Butler's aggressive gameplay is contagious, and his teammates want to follow the "psychotic" passion that he brings with him on the court. For Butler, the team comes before his personal vendettas as he affirmed, "I’m not worried about Thibs." Whatever the external force or noise, Butler's concentration is constant, and he does not let it hamper his game. If anything, he feeds off it and turns up the intensity to win.