Jimmy Butler started this season with a lot of doubts after two complex stints with the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Philadelphia 76ers. As soon as he landed in Miami, things changed for him; he became the leader that the team needed him and right now the Heat are playing in the NBA Finals, trying to overcome a 3-1 deficit against the Los Angeles Lakers of LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
He led the Heat through the playoffs, beating big rivals like the Milwaukee Bucks of Giannis Antetokounmpo and the three-headed monster Boston Celtics. Now Butler is trying to pull off the upset against the Lakers and he’s working to do so. To put things in perspective, Jimmy is leading the Heat in almost every offensive stat during the Finals. That’s what you call carrying a team.
Butler stats through 5 games. Via ESPN:
Game 1: 23 PTS 5 AST 2 REB 2 STL
Game 2: 25 PTS 13 AST 8 REB
Game 3: 40 PTS 13 AST 11 REB 2 STL 2 BLK
Game 4: 22 PTS 10 REB 9 AST 3 STL
Game 5: 35 PTS 12 REB 11 AST 5 ST
Jimmy has done a terrific job. He’s the reason why the Heat are still alive in the series and why people still consider they have a chance to surprise the Lakers. He has gotten to work, he knows what a leader needs to do and has put it in practice. Even if the Heat don’t win the ring this season, they have a good future ahead.
This season has been terrific for him and his team and Heat fans can’t be happier about it. Even if they end up losing Game 6 on Sunday, they have a lot to be proud of than to feel bad. Jimmy Butler found his place in the world and Miami found the leader they needed after Dwyane Wade left the team.
