USA Today via Reuters
Feb 5, 2021; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) protects the ball from Washington Wizards forward Rui Hachimura (8) during the second quarter of the game at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Feb 5, 2021; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) protects the ball from Washington Wizards forward Rui Hachimura (8) during the second quarter of the game at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
Three-time NBA champion Dwyane Wade is arguably the best Miami Heat player of all-time. So, to surpass his records is an achievement for any Heat player. Tonight, Jimmy Butler got his chance to do that during their game against the Rockets.
The five-time All-Star notched a triple-double, his sixth in a Heat uniform. With that, he overtook Wade for the second-most triple-doubles by a Heat player. Only LeBron James is leading Butler in the list.
Jimmy Butler has his 6th triple-double with the Heat (including the playoffs).
That passes Dwyane Wade for 2nd-most in Heat history.
Only LeBron James has more (14). pic.twitter.com/tr5QawPdoo
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) February 12, 2021
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Butler scored 27 points tonight while grabbing 10 rebounds and 10 assists as well. He shot 8-18 from the field and 1-2 from three.
A lot of his points come from the free-throw line, as he is one of the best in the game when it comes to drawing fouls. Not only did he keep their offense going but was also active on the defensive end.
Jimmy Butler is resurrecting the Miami Heat after a poor start
After reaching the NBA Finals last season, the Heat started off the 2020-21 season on a completely different note. They were 4-4 when Butler got injured in early January. In his absence, the Heat won just two out of their 10 games and were struggling miserably.
When he came back from injury, Butler led the Heat to a win over the Kings. He had a 30 point performance, as he announced his return. Their next two games were losses again, but after that setback, they have now won four in a row, with Butler leading the team once again.
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Their record is still 11-14, but they are now slowly working their way to a .500 record. Butler is currently averaging 19.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 7.1 assists per game. His slow start has held back his stats, but he is getting back to his All-Star form.
USA Today via Reuters
Feb 9, 2021; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) smiles after laying on the court during the second half against the New York Knicks at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
But he still needs to work on a few aspects of his game. He is still struggling to find his form from the three-point range since last season. After shooting 24% last season, he is shooting a horrendous 11% thsi time around. This is hampering the team, and Butler needs to fix this issue.
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The Heat have a challenging schedule for their next few games. This includes clashes against the Jazz, Clippers, and the Lakers. They will have to be at their best to stand a chance, or they risk dropping more games.
ALSO READ – ‘I Was So Fu**king Happy’: Jamal Crawford Talks About Watching Jimmy Butler In NBA Finals
