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Miami Heat: Jimmy Butler’s scoring has dipped, but he doesn’t mind

By Duncan Smith

MIAMI, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 20: Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat looks on against the New York Knicks during the first half at American Airlines Arena on December 20, 2019 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 20: Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat looks on against the New York Knicks during the first half at American Airlines Arena on December 20, 2019 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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Jimmy Butler’s scoring has dropped over the past few games, but he doesn’t mind at all as long as the Miami Heat keep winning games.

Jimmy Butler was acquired in the summer and gave the Miami Heat their first superstar caliber player in the post-LeBron James era. While most superstars in the NBA are known first and foremost for their scoring ability, Butler has reminded us that his impact is more nuanced.

He’s never been a top-tier scorer, but he can change games with his playmaking and defense on the floor, and his leadership both on and off the court. So far this season Jimmy Butler has shown all of these traits.

While his shooting is slightly down, with a field goal percentage of 43.4 percent and 3-point percentage of 28.6 percent, Butler has been a major plus for the Heat even when he isn’t scoring. In fact, the Heat are 9-0 so far this season when he takes 11 field goal attempts or less.

The Heat blasted the New York Knicks 129-114 on Saturday in a game which was not nearly as close as the final score suggests, and they did that with Butler only taking three field goal attempts.

Butler doesn’t mind the reduced usage, either. Especially with his younger teammates like Bam Adebayo, Kendrick Nunn and Duncan Robinson flourishing around him, the lower weight on his shoulders may pay off in a big way as the season wears on.

Speaking to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, Butler had the following to say:

"“I’ll shoot zero times if you can guarantee me a win. I’ve never been a person in my career to shoot a lot anyways. Everybody is happy sharing the ball and seeing other guys score. I think that’s a great part of this team. When a guy is open, you have all the confidence in the world that they’re going to make that shot.”"

Next. Kendrick Nunn's Rookie Of The Year odds are soaring. dark

Jimmy Butler seems to have clicked right into place with the Miami Heat, and they’re benefiting from not just his scoring ability but his attitude and selflessness as well.

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