Former Heat Legend Praises Jimmy Butler Following Stellar Performance Against Bucks

Last night, the Miami Heat got off to the perfect start in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Facing the best team in the league is always a challenge, but the Heat proved they are not messing around. Led by Jimmy Butler, the Heat cruised to a win as they beat the Bucks 115-104.

Throughout the season, Butler had been unimpressive on offense. Shooting a horrible 24% from the three-point line, Butler wasn’t the biggest contributor in scoring. But last night he was on a mission. Living up to his nickname, Jimmy G. Buckets, he scored 40 points, going 13/20 from the field.

After the game, former Heat legend Dwyane Wade praised Butler on Twitter for his performance, calling him “Playoff Jimmy.”

Jimmy Butler says he is on a business trip

After heavy restrictions initially, the NBA has now allowed players to bring family members into the bubble. Other players have been able to meet their wives and children after months, but not Butler. He hasn’t invited any of his family since he says he is here for business strictly.

Following an underwhelming run in the seeding games, Butler is playing to his strengths in the playoffs. He is attempting less than two threes a game and has been focusing on driving to the basket, and consequently winning a lot of fouls. He went from averaging 16 points in the seeding games to 23.8 points in the five playoff games so far.

After last night’s game, former teammate Joel Embiid expressed his admiration for Butler. The duo were close when Butler played for the 76ers last year and Embiid had previously mentioned he wishes Butler would have stayed on the team.

Butler and co were able to win after keeping the reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo quiet all game. He finished with just 19 points and had only 12 shots all game. The Heat may have pulled off an upset in Game 1, but they have the potential to come away with a series win.