Jimmy Butler’s heroics led the Miami Heat to the Eastern Conference semifinals in the 2023 NBA playoffs. In Game 4 of their first-round series against the top-seeded Milwaukee Bucks, Butler scored 29 points and hit a clutch 3-pointer with just over a minute remaining to give the Heat a lead they would not relinquish. In Game 5, Butler again came up big, scoring 36 points to lead the Heat to a 125-119 victory and force a Game 6. The Heat became the first 8-seed to beat a 1-seed in over a decade, and the 6th in NBA history to accomplish such a feat.
In Game 6, Butler continued his dominant play, scoring 35 points and dishing out 10 assists to lead the Heat to a 115-111 victory and a spot in the semifinals. Butler’s performance in the series earned high praise from his teammates and coaches, with Heat coach Erik Spoelstra calling him “one of the great competitors in this league.” That is because the Heat were trailing by more than 10 points with only a few minutes remaining, but Butler came through with excellent playmaking. The shot of the night was hardly a shot at all. With almost no time left, Butler’s teammate lobbed the ball in his direction, and somehow, Butler was able to deflect the lob into the hoop while falling backward after being fouled. That basket sent the game into overtime, where the Heat clinched the series.
Mr May
The Heat will now face the New York Knicks the semifinals. The Heat will need another strong performance from Butler, as well as contributions from their supporting cast, if they hope to pull off the upset and advance to the Eastern Conference Finals. Butler’s heroics in the playoffs are nothing new, as he has a history of stepping up in big moments. In the 2020 NBA Finals, Butler famously carried the Heat to victory in Game 3, scoring 40 points, grabbing 11 rebounds, and dishing out 13 assists to lead Miami to a crucial win over the Los Angeles Lakers. Butler’s performance in that game helped spark a comeback for the Heat, who went on to push the series to six games before ultimately falling to the Lakers.
Butler’s ability to perform under pressure and lead his team in clutch situations makes him one of the most valuable players in the league. As the Heat look to make another deep playoff run in 2023, they will be counting on Butler to continue his heroics and lead them to victory over some of the league’s top teams.