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New York Knicks Coach Tom Thibodeau Responds to Jimmy Butler Jab: ‘I’ll Beat Him to a Pulp’

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Paolo Songco | Last updated 5/6/24

New York Knicks news: Jimmy Butler did not even get a chance to suit up in the playoffs this season. The six-time All-Star suffered an MCL sprain which forced him to sit out what turned out to be a short-lived first-round series against the Boston Celtics.

Butler remains adamant, however, that the Heat would have sent the Celtics home if only he were able to play. Apparently, the Heat star feels the exact same way about the Knicks.

Jimmy Butler Throws Shade on Knicks, Tom Thibodeau

A recent video of Butler taking jabs at the Celtics and the Knicks is currently going viral. In it, the 34-year-old makes special mention of New York head coach Tom Thibodeau, whom Butler played several years under during their time together with the Chicago Bulls and the Minnesota Timberwolves.

While Butler has a lot of admiration for Thibs, the five-time All-NBA forward also made it clear that he has an incessant desire to beat Thibodeau and his team:

pic.twitter.com/IjqYRPtUU4

— Crystal Scar (@crystalscarr21) May 4, 2024

Butler also made it publicly known that his love for his former coach remains purely platonic.

New York Knicks News: Tom Thibodeau Claps Back

Thibodeau caught wind of Butler’s comments, and the veteran shot-caller decided to engage. After pretending not to know who Butler was, the Knicks coach then used Butler’s own words to deliver a savage counter-punch:

Tom Thibodeau on Jimmy Butler:

“Who.”

Jimmy Butler.

Smiles.

“I don’t know him. But I’ll beat him to a pulp.”

— Stefan Bondy (@SbondyNBA) May 5, 2024

These two go way back and this banter obviously comes from a place of love. Nevertheless, you can be sure that both individuals will be doing everything they can to one-up the other whenever they face off on the basketball court.

Butler and the Heat, however, will need to wait until next season to get their chance at Thibs and the Knicks.