IN THE EIGHT months since Jimmy Butler's right knee buckled during the hottest streak of his 15th NBA season, his mood and memory of the traumatic moment have improved as his leg has slowly healed.
He remembers the high-arcing pass from Brandin Podziemski while rolling toward the rim, the instant he felt Miami Heat guard Davion Mitchell slide under him on the catch and that shooting pain on the landing that incited an arena-silencing scream.
In a conversation with ESPN following the Warriors' third training camp practice, Butler relived the scene. From a padded seat on the sideline, he pointed toward the left block of their temporary practice court in Hawaii. That's where -- face down in the hardwood, eyes closed, letting out a few painful howls -- he can still hear Buddy Hield's distinctive voice off in the distance.
"Get up, Jimmy! Get up! We need you!"
Even in the darkest of split seconds, Butler beamed about his three-word retort to a former teammate he loved to torment: "No s---, Buddy."
Then, Butler rolled over onto his back as everyone began to circle.
"When I opened my eyes, I swear to you," Butler said, raising his hands toward the roof. "It was like Jesus was standing over me."