Miami Heat’s Nikola Jovic calls Jimmy Butler “The American Me” in a postgame interview

Miami Heat forward Nikola Jovic has had a great start to this season.

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

Jovic played Friday’s game wearing a fitted face mask after he was 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 caught on the Heat bench wearing a face mask while mocking his young teammate.

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

“Or he is the American me,” Jovic responded after a long silence.

In another clip posted to Twitter by HEAT on FanDuel Sports Network, Jovic made more jokes about his veteran teammate.

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

Jovic is averaging eight points and four rebounds in 11 games, making eight starts.

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

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

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