The first game of the Eastern Conference Finals did not disappoint as the Miami Heat took down the Boston Celtics. Continuing the story of these playoffs, Jimmy Butler put on yet another masterclass against Boston. He led the Miami’s comeback win after they looked down and out in the first half. Likewise, NBA Twitter gave the All-Star his fruits and even compared him to Michael Jordan.
The playoffs are the biggest stage of the NBA season. All the lights are pointing at the big players who rise to the occasion. And Butler is one who isn’t afraid to step up. He has been arguably the best player of these playoffs. Consequently, he has been the leader of the Miami Heat every step of the way. And Butler has no plans to stop.
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Going into the first game against the Celtics, Butler gave his side the momentum. Pulling his side out of the hole once again, the Miami star earned the praise of NBA fans on Twitter.
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Jimmy Butler puts up a Michael Jordanesque performance to help Heat beat the Celtics
Coming off a tough 7 game series against the defending champions, the Celtics’ forces came in hot. Notably, Jayson Tatum was on fire posting 21 points in just the first half. Despite missing DPOY Marcus Smart, Boston looked in control. However, this is where the prowess of Jimmy Butler came in. With the game slipping away, Butler got all the momentum back in favor of the Heat. They went on a 39-14 run in the third quarter to demolish Boston.
Jimmy’s heroics were acknowledged by NBA fans as they saw the Miami All-Star single-handedly pull his team out of trouble. And they even gave him the topmost appreciation and compared him to Michael Jordan in the playoffs.
Jimmy Butler in the playoffs pic.twitter.com/cSFihHVEma
— Michael Jordan's Burner (@jumpmanburner) May 18, 2022
Jimmy Butler really Michael Jordan’s son but no one wants to bring it up…
— 🇭🇹Here Lies Chuck🇭🇹 (@Chuck__Says) May 18, 2022
Watching Jimmy Butler play basketball has to be what watching Michael Jordan play basketball was like
— trey (welcome to pickettsburgh) (@SteelCityFan4) May 18, 2022
Jimmy Butler getting to the playoffs & turning into Michael Jordan is always so interesting.
-Pavy— Hoops & Brews (@HoopsNBrews) May 18, 2022
If the heat win the finals Jimmy Butler is officially better than Michael Jordan
— Alone (@AKidsLonely) May 18, 2022
IS THAT MICHAEL JORDAN OR JIMMY BUTLER I REALLY DONT KNOW
— 🌐 (@5foot1asiandude) May 18, 2022
Jimmy Butler is like if Michael Jordan was nice.
— Andy “Jokić” Juett (@andyjuett) May 17, 2022
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Jimmy Butler was all around the stat sheet to help the Heat take the advantage in the ECF. He scored a game-high 41 points to go with 9 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 steals, and 3 blocks. He also made 17 of his 18 free throws to always keep Miami a step ahead. Sixth Man Tyler Herro provided crucial scoring off the bench torching the Celtics for 18 points and 8 rebounds. Gabe Vicent lived up to his impressive playoff run, adding 17 points and 3 blocks.
Jayson Tatum came out hot but wasn’t able to keep the same momentum in the second half. He added just 8 points to his first-half tally in the 109-117 loss. Jaylen Brown came up huge in the fourth quarter, ending the game with 24 points and 10 rebounds. However, his burst wasn’t enough to power the Celtics through. Robert Williams and Payton Pritchard each added 18 points in the losing effort.
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With Miami taking the first game at home, they are only 3 games away from a trip back to the NBA finals. But the Celtics aren’t an opposition to underestimate and can snap back at any moment.