In a recent interview on the Run Your Race podcast, Mavericks forward Grant Williams provided insight into a memorable back-and-forth trash talk exchange with Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler during Game 2 of the 2023 Eastern Conference Finals.
Williams recalled the incident, stating that during the game, while the Celtics held an eight-point lead, Butler made a remark about him not being a factor in the game. In response, Williams confidently sank a three-pointer and fired back at Butler, asserting, “Hell naw, m***********, I’m here.”
The trash talk continued, with Butler delivering a crafty move and drawing an “and-1” foul. Williams remained undeterred and exchanged more verbal jabs with Butler. Despite Williams scoring the Celtics’ last 10 points in the game, the Heat ultimately emerged victorious, taking a 3-0 series lead.
“I said it to him, barking, because I’m always gonna respond. I never talk trash myself… I’m not a trash talker, I’m too nerdy,” the 24-year-old power forward said, via HoopsHype. “Next thing you know, I’m saying ‘Hell naw, m***********, I’m here.’ … So next thing you know, that happens, then, the next play, Jimmy, hesi, boom, stops, pivots, and-1. So Jimmy says, ‘I’m here, too, m***********.’ And so I’m like, ‘I don’t give a f***,’ we’re going back and forth, because I’m not backing down.”
Reflecting on the intense exchange, Williams praised Butler’s competitive spirit and revealed that their fiery confrontation was all in the spirit of competition. In the subsequent games, Williams continued to defend well against Butler, earning mutual respect between the two players.
The Celtics fought valiantly, tying the series at 3-3, but ultimately fell short as the Heat secured the Game 7 victory, advancing to the NBA Finals where they lost to the Nuggets.
