Despite the loss, Tyler Herro stood out for the Heat, scoring 28 points, grabbing a season-high 12 rebounds, and providing five assists.

Adebayo sustained a cut above his left eye during the game, requiring seven stitches, but managed to return and finish with 17 points and 10 rebounds.

Even without Butler, the Heat kept the game close, trailing by just three points at halftime and briefly leading in the third quarter.

Looking ahead, the Heat have upcoming games against the Orlando Magic and the Brooklyn Nets, with another matchup against Orlando shortly after.

Despite the setbacks, Butler has expressed confidence in Tyler Herro's potential for greatness, emphasizing his recent improvements and ambitions.

Jimmy Butler left the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on December 20, 2024, after just seven minutes due to what was initially thought to be a left ankle injury, but was later confirmed to be a stomach bug.

Oklahoma City's defense played a crucial role in the game, forcing Miami into 19 turnovers, which proved detrimental to their chances of winning.

For the Thunder, Jalen Williams led the scoring with 33 points, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander contributed 25 points, showcasing their offensive strength.

As a result of his illness, Butler was ruled out for the Miami Heat's game against the Orlando Magic on December 21, 2024, marking the sixth game he has missed this season.

In the game against the Thunder, the Heat lost 104-97, struggling with rebounding and committing 19 turnovers that allowed Oklahoma City to score 27 points off those mistakes.

The absence of Butler significantly impacted the Heat's rebounding efforts, particularly with Bam Adebayo also facing challenges due to injury.

Butler's last absence prior to this illness was on December 2, 2024, against the Boston Celtics, highlighting the impact of his health on the team's performance.