NBA: Jimmy Butler goes on personal leave

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Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) in action during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Washington Wizards, Friday, Feb. 2, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

MIAMI — Heat star forward Jimmy Butler missed Miami’s game against the Boston Celtics on Sunday because of personal reasons.

The club has granted Butler a leave of absence after the death of a family member.

It has not been determined how long Butler will be away from the team, which has games at Milwaukee and Philadelphia this week before the All-Star break.

“Jimmy and his family ask for privacy at this point in time as they navigate this loss,” said a statement released by the Heat from his agent, Bernie Lee.

Injuries have limited the 34-year-old Butler, who leads the Heat in scoring at 21 points per game, to 37 games this season.

The Heat, who are eighth in the east at 28-25, lost to the NBA-leading Celtics (41-12), 110-106. Boston has won four in a row.