Neymar and Jimmy Butler Rekindle Bromance Ahead of Game 3 of 2023 NBA Finals

• Jimmy Butler and Neymar spent time together at a shootaround before Game 3 of the NBA Finals
• Butler and Neymar have shared a close friendship since they competed at the 2016 Rio Olympics
• Butler and the Heat tied the NBA Finals at one apiece after a spectacular comeback win on Sunday

Jimmy Butler had a special guest ahead of Game 3 of the 2023 NBA Finals.

The Miami Heat star was seen in a recent video having a meet-up with soccer superstar, Neymar Junior.

The power duo got together during a shootaround, with Neymar even putting up a few shots with the reigning Eastern Conference Most Valuable Player.

Neymar shows hoop skills

Neymar showed Butler he could hoop as well, knocking down an elbow jumper, much to his delight. The Brazilian celebrated as if he had scored a goal, shouting 'yes' and doing the 'it's over' action following his made basket.

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Butler laughed at Neymar, who was clearly having a grand time in South Beach.

Butler and Neymar's friendship

This isn’t a chance meeting between the two sports stars, as their friendship goes way back. Butler and Neymar became pals in 2016 when they both competed at the Rio Olympics, per The New York Times.

Having his close friend with him for Game 3 is a huge boost for the Miami Heat star, who is looking to win his first-ever NBA championship.

It definitely won’t be easy, as the Heat are locked in a tight battle with the Denver Nuggets in the NBA Finals.

The series is tied at 1-1, with Miami stealing homecourt advantage in Game 2. The Heat pulled off a stunning 111-108 victory on Sunday to hand the Nuggets their first loss at home this postseason.

Butler played his part in the victory, scoring 21 points, dishing out nine assists, and grabbing four rebounds in 40 minutes of action. He shot 7 of 19 from the field, including 2 of 5 from beyond the arc in Game 2.

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He sealed the win for Miami, playing tough defense on Jamal Murray in the final possession to foil Denver’s attempt to send the game into overtime.

Butler makes history

Sports Brief recently reported on Butler making history in Game 2, which the Miami team won.

He became the third Heat player to record 500 points, 100 rebounds, and 100 assists in one postseason.

The only other Miami players to reach that hallowed milestone are Dwyane Wade and LeBron James.