Jimmy Butler once again proved doubters wrong with an incredible performance for the Miami Heat. The veteran player came up with a big game to force Game 7 in the 2022 Eastern Conference Finals, demonstrating that he’s not done yet.
Butler went off with 47 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists in the Miami Heat’s 111-103 win over the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Butler heard all the talking about the Heat being out of the playoffs and took it personally, leading his squad to have an incredible performance as visitors.
Nobody except the Heat organization believed that they could return to South Beach after going to Boston 3-2 down. Some even said that he couldn’t do the job before and he wouldn’t do it now. Patrick Beverley is past the Chris Paul slander and now has set his sight on Butler.
Ahead of Game 6 between the Heat and Celtics, Beverley made a bold claim about Butler and his inability to win in the playoffs. The controversial guard recalled Jimmy’s tenure in Chicago, Minnesota and Philadelphia, saying he never made it with them and he wouldn’t do it with Miami:
“Initially I said yes but now it’s no,” Beverley responded when asked if he thinks Butler can be the best player on a title squad. “That’s no discredit to his game. I love Jimmy. He’s a two-way player. He plays both ends off the floor. I just don’t think he can shoot the ball from the three good enough. He’s been the main catalyst. … When he was with Philly (Philadelphia 76ers), he wasn’t the main guy there. Obviously, he spent a little time with the [Minnesota] Timberwolves, couldn’t get it done there. In Miami, couldn’t get it done there. With the [Chicago] Bulls, couldn’t get it done there. And this is young Jimmy, so I don’t know if older Jimmy can do that.”
Well, Jimmy replied to Beverley, and those who doubted him with a huge game, surpassing what LeBron James did in 2012, against the same rival in the same arena. Butler is on a mission this season, and even though he’s playing through injuries, he’s having incredible games.
A phone call by Dwyane Wade inspired him before the match, and he knows the Heat are in a good position to compete for the championship. Just like he did in the bubble two years ago, Butler is leaving everything on the court. He’s one of the best players in the NBA right now and no matter how badly people talk about him, Jimmy goes about his business and tries everything to will his team to a win.
