Game One proved Jimmy Butler isn’t invincible. But he’s still a superstar.
Jimmy Butler morphed into “Playoff Jimmy” at the start of the NBA’s postseason, leading the Miami Heat in each series on either end of the ball. Whether it was putting up 40 against the Milwaukee Bucks, or containing the Indiana Pacers’ best player, Miami’s alpha was there.
For the first time since the start of the playoffs, we saw Butler express signs that he’s actually human, with the Celtics defense doing the arduous work that is containing the superstar. The 31-year old had just nine points and three rebounds in the first half, a non-factor on offense.
But then, as all superstars do, Butler broke through when the Heat needed it most, knocking down a corner three with 22 seconds left to play and giving his team the lead. Then with 12 seconds left in overtime, he knocked in an and-1 layup that ultimately won the game.
Butler’s offense and defense in the final minutes of the fourth quarter and entire overtime period served as the factor that pushed this Miami team over the top of the Celtics on Tuesday night.
The lesson here? Don’t forget why Pat Riley and this Miami Heat font office worked so hard to land Jimmy Butler in South Beach. He’s a superstar talent, and his performance in Game One should serve as a reminder to anyone who may have forgotten.