Miami Heat: What is happening to Jimmy Buckets in the NBA Playoffs?
The Miami Heat have struggled because Jimmy Butler has struggled and the tape says so.
My first assumption was that he had re-aggravated that leg injury. Honestly, that’s how bad it’s been through two games.
Shot watch through two games in Milwaukee –
But upon further investigation, Butler looks healthy. He’s just, severely, out of rhythm.
After watching every shot Jimmy has taken so far, it appears to be a great defense and a player deep in his own head. The Bucks have drawn up a masterful defensive plan.
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Giannis Antetokounmpo is too slow, laterally, to guard Butler’s first step. Jrue Holiday stays with him, but is too small to disrupt his shot properly.
So, P.J. Tucker has drawn the defensive assignment and played exceptionally. He is under Butler’s skin, matching Butler’s physicality without fouling the shooting guard when he puts his head down and drives.
The key here is the help defense. Bobby Portis and Brook Lopez constantly hang back in the paint and look to be waiting specifically for Butler’s drives.
This allows Tucker to get into Butler’s body without fouling and the ability to catch up if he slips past. This delayed double-team is giving Butler fits, as he is exceptional at getting to the line, particularly in critical games or crucial fourth-quarter moments.