When the going gets tough, the tough get going. This is one saying that might perfectly define Jimmy Butler. In the regular season, his numbers don’t pop out to the fans. However, playoff Butler is a completely different player. And tonight, he was on full display. On a night the Milwaukee Bucks had Giannis Antetokounmpo return, the Miami Heat star single-handedly took his franchise across the finish line. A magnificent 50-point game sent his NBA peers into a frenzy.
The Heat won 114-119 in a nail-biting Game 4 to take a commanding 3-1 series lead in the Eastern Conference first round.
Jimmy Butler spoils Giannis Antetokounmpo’s return with 50-point carnage
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Playoff Butler is a phenom the entire NBA has come to acknowledge. But most importantly, it’s a character who instills fear. Tonight, no Heat player scored over 20 points when facing the best team in the NBA this season. Not just that, but the Greek Freak, the Bucks’ dominant talisman was back. It looked like Milwaukee had done it all. All but stop one man, Jimmy Butler, the man who would tonight write their downfall.
Butler went off for his first-ever 50-point playoff game, and each of his buckets was needed for the Heat to emerge victorious. The Vice City fans smiled and admired him as he scrapped against one of the toughest defenses in the league and won that battle. Efficient, clutch, you name it, the six-time All-Star did it all.
Butler went unconscious scoring 56 points and grabbing 9 rebounds to carry the Heat to a 3-1 series lead against the Milwaukee Bucks. It wasn’t an ordinary 50-point game, however. Jimmy Butler played to the situation, shot nearly 68% from the field, and turned things around. Just when the Heat seemed out of hope, it was once again the former Philadelphia 76ers forward who did the near impossible.
His show not only earned the respect of his fans but also his NBA peers.
Joel Embiid, Draymond Green and others hail playoffs Jimmy
Butler’s performance created a tsunami around the NBA world. The fans were speechless at the sight of what was arguably one of the best playoff performances of his career. Not just that, but fellow NBA players also gave the Heat forward his flowers. Former teammate Joel Embiid tweeted saying, “PLAYOFF MF HIMMY BUTLER”?
PLAYOFF MF HIMMY BUTLER
— Joel Embiid (@JoelEmbiid) April 25, 2023
Defending champion Draymond Green also came forward calling Butler an ‘Animal’ for his exploits tonight.
Say or feel what you want about Jimmy… ANIMAL!!! Double Nickel! And counting
— Draymond Green (@Money23Green) April 25, 2023
Here are some others NBA stars who reacted to Butler’s monster night.
Mood 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/YHKNPikbNP
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) April 25, 2023
Jimmy buckets on one🔥
— Austin Rivers (@AustinRivers25) April 25, 2023
Jimmy spazzing!
— Tyrese Maxey (@TyreseMaxey) April 25, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Jimmy Butler put on the best performance this Playoff season scoring 56 points against the Milwaukee Bucks and ushering the Heat to a 3-1 Series lead!
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) April 25, 2023
His good friend and Miami Heat legend Dwyane Wade also reacted to Butler’s heroic night with an Instagram story.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Watch This Story:?Giannis Antetokounmpo?s most heated moments over the years
Almost each time doubt sets in, Jimmy Butler has been there to erase it away. Tonight was one of the many times the 33-year-old proved why he is one of the top talents around this league. He might not be in the conversation to be a regular season MVP, but when it comes to the postseason that’s when the true Butler really unleashes.