Last year, Miami Heat reporter Brady Hawk asked star forward Jimmy Butler about "Playoff Jimmy" — a nickname Butler earned for his heroics in the run-up to an NBA Finals appearance. Butler said, "It's not a thing."

Why it matters: Now, the NBA is rolling out a promo video for the playoffs featuring language that is strikingly similar: "Playoff mode. It's a thing."

• The only difference? Butler isn't featured in it — and some Heat fans have taken to social media to call the organization out.

What they're saying: Within an hour of the NBA posting the video to X, dozens of users flooded the comments to point out Butler's absence.

• "How does one create a minute-long playoff promo birthed from 'Playoff Jimmy' and not include Playoff Jimmy," wrote one user.
• "They really stole Jimmy's whole gimmick," wrote another.

Five Reasons Sports Network, the local news outlet where Hawk works, tweeted at the NBA that he would be "accepting your royalties."

Yes, but: The Heat aren't technically in the playoffs — yet. First, they need to win the Play-In Tournament, which began last night.

• All of the players featured in the ad — including Heat archrivals Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics and Nikola Jokić of the Denver Nuggets — are on teams that have already made the playoffs.
• NBA chief marketing officer Tammy Henault said in a statement that the ad campaign "plays on the idea that the playoffs unlock an elevated version of all of us."

Hawk tells Axios the ad was clearly inspired — word for word — by his press conference exchange with Butler last April after he torched the top-seeded Bucks for a franchise playoff record 56 points en route to a series win.

• "Jimmy Butler is the exact type of player the league should love to promote," Hawk says in an X direct message. "Draws viewership this time of year, a headline maker off the court, and just a hilarious troll."

💭 Our thought bubble: The NBA thought we all forgot about how Butler's 56-point explosion ignited our city.

• "This is my s***!" he declared to Miami's roaring fans that night. And we will never forget.

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The Miami-Dade Police Department is reporting a 33% drop in murders so far this year compared to 2023.

Why it matters: Most large U.S. cities are starting to see drops in violence after sharp increases during the pandemic.

• The number of homicides in 204 cities dropped 20% in the first three months of this year, compared to the same time last year, per an AH Datalytics report reviewed by Axios.

By the numbers: MDPD reported 18 murders in the first three months of 2024 compared to 27 during the same timespan in 2024, according to an internal report.

• The department saw a 31% drop in overall violent crime in the same period.

Yes, but: MDPD's Homicide Bureau is only responsible for investigating deaths that occur in unincorporated Dade County and in 27 of the county's 35 municipalities.

• Cities like Hialeah, Miami Gardens, Miami Beach and North Miami have their own homicide bureaus, per the Miami Herald.

What they're saying: MDPD detective Angel Rodriguez tells Axios that gun violence programs like the Youth Outreach Unit and Operation Community Shield have contributed to the decrease.

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Bob Graham, who served Florida as a two-term governor (1979-87) and three-term senator (1987-2005), died yesterday at a Gainesville retirement community. He was 87. (Tallahassee Democrat)

• Graham, a Democrat, championed school-competency testing and Everglades restoration. He was also known for his "work days" — campaign events in which he took on blue-collar jobs.

🤝 Broward County Public Schools on Tuesday unexpectedly appointed Howard Hepburn, the former deputy superintendent for teaching and learning, as the district's new superintendent. (Sun Sentinel)

• The switch came after Peter Licata, hired less than a year ago to lead the district, announced he was retiring because of health issues.

🔍 The canvassing effort to recall Coral Gables Mayor Vince Lago is facing a criminal investigation. News of the investigation came after the group behind the recall effort submitted petition signatures to the city clerk's office. (Miami Herald)

🗣️ Sen. Shevrin Jones announced his candidacy for Miami-Dade County Democratic executive committee chair. The party removed the previous chair last month. (Peter Schorsch on X)

The Florida Highway Patrol has loosened its pursuit policy, granting state troopers more discretion to start a car chase and allowing them to speed or even drive the wrong way, according to a new report from Stateline.

Why it matters: The policy change contradicts guidance from leading industry experts and data that suggests fewer restrictions on chases make roads more dangerous.

Catch up quick: Many states and law enforcement agencies have shifted their policies over the last decade to allow chases only in narrow circumstances.

• Often, it's when a pursuit subject is believed to have committed a violent felony or poses an imminent danger to the public.

The intrigue: A Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles spokesperson said the policy empowers troopers to use their best judgment and is unique in its emphasis on ending a chase as quickly as possible.

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📅 Upcoming events around the city.

SoFlo Cake and Candy Expo 2024 at Miami Airport Convention Center next weekend: SoFlo Cake and Candy Expo is South Florida's largest baking and sweets trade show. Open to everyone who has an interest in all things cake and candy. This is your one time opportunity to purchase all of your cake supplies and candy supplies directly from the manufacturers and vendors. $40-$130.

Hosting an event? Email [email protected].

🤔 Can you guess where in Miami we snapped this photo?

Here's a hint: You can learn German here.

• If you get it right, you'll be entered for a chance to win an Axios Miami tote bag!

💌 Hit reply or email [email protected] with the correct answer.