Fourteen games into the season, the Miami Heat faced a formidable challenge against the Milwaukee Bucks. With Milwaukee’s explosive offense and star duo of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, Miami knew they’d have to fight hard for every inch.
Johnny Juzang Jr. had been growing into his role as Jimmy Butler’s backup, but tonight, that comfort would be shattered as the team’s depth took a significant hit.
The Game That Changed Everything
From the tip-off, the game was physical and fast-paced. Giannis and Dame were relentless, attacking the rim and hitting timely shots. Miami answered back, with Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro providing firepower to keep the Heat within reach.
But midway through the second quarter, disaster struck.
Jimmy Butler, in his usual fearless style, reached in to strip the ball from Giannis on a drive. Unfortunately, Giannis’s elbow collided awkwardly with Jimmy’s hand, bending his finger back. Jimmy tried to shake it off, but his face betrayed the pain he was in. Coach Spoelstra called a timeout, and the trainer quickly confirmed it was a bad break—Butler would be out for at least a month.
Johnny’s heart sank as he watched Jimmy walk off the court, visibly frustrated. But the team still had a job to do.
More Bad News
With Jimmy out, Josh Richardson stepped up to carry more of the defensive load against the Bucks’ backcourt. But late in the third quarter, as Richardson was defending a drive from Dame, his foot landed awkwardly. He crumpled to the floor, clutching his ankle in pain. The trainers and teammates rushed over, and it was clear from the severity of the injury that Richardson’s season was over.
Johnny couldn’t believe what was happening. In one game, they’d lost two of their key players.
End of the Game
The Heat fought hard but ultimately couldn’t overcome the Bucks, who capitalized on Miami’s depleted roster to secure a 115-102 victory. After the final buzzer, the team gathered in the locker room, the weight of the losses heavier than the scoreboard.
Spoelstra called Johnny over for a private conversation once the room had quieted.
“Johnny, listen. We’re in a tough spot,” Spoelstra said, his voice low but steady. “Jimmy’s out for at least a month, and we lost Josh for the season. I need you to step up—and I’m giving you three options for how.”
Johnny listened carefully, his heart pounding as Spoelstra laid out the choices.
“You can take over at point guard. You’d be running the offense, orchestrating plays, and setting up Bam, Tyler, and the rest. Or you can start at small forward to fill Jimmy’s role, taking on defensive responsibilities and being our go-to wing scorer. Or, if you’re not ready to step up, you can stay in your backup role.”
Johnny’s mind raced as he weighed each option.
Option 1: Starting Point Guard Taking the point guard position would mean becoming the team’s primary playmaker, setting the pace, and directing the offense. It was a high-responsibility role, and he’d have to be ready to facilitate and create opportunities for his teammates.
Option 2: Starting Small Forward Filling in at small forward was familiar territory. He’d been learning from Jimmy and felt he could handle the defensive pressure and scoring demand. But stepping in as a starter meant he’d have to bring consistency and leadership.
Option 3: Stay as a Backup He could keep his backup role, letting Spoelstra find another option for the starting lineup. But deep down, Johnny knew this was a chance he might not get again—to prove himself as a starter.