It’s one thing to be upset during a game when the opponent scores with the shot clock off in a blowout.
It’s another to hold a grudge more than a week later over a shot that missed anyway.
But that’s just what Jimmy Butler is doing with Brian Roberts, who attempted a shot late in the Bulls’ 130-105 loss to the Hornets on Nov. 3.
Vincent Goodwill of CSN Chicago:
Butler on the 30-pt loss to Charlotte: "You don't forget about the dude that shot that ball at the end of the game. That's disrespectful."
— Vincent Goodwill (@VinceGoodwill) November 12, 2015
The player in question: Brian Roberts. Butler: "Roberts. Him. It was him. That guy."
— Vincent Goodwill (@VinceGoodwill) November 12, 2015
Professional athletes have an incredible ability to use the smallest slights to fuel them, and I’d usually say this is an example. But this is such a small thing, I’m not sure it applies. Is there a history between Butler and Roberts?
Roberts had scored just two points on two shots before that final attempt. What was he trying to accomplish?
Whatever it was, Butler looked ticked quickly. He appeared to be upset when talking to Derrick Rose immediately after the game, pointing toward the Charlotte side.
If Butler wants revenge, he ought to make sure Chicago doesn’t lose by 25 tonight.
If you’re a Comcast subscriber in Chicago, you can stream tonight’s Bulls-Hornets game here.