Miami Heat Playoffs: Hawks Game 1 Jimmy Butler Is Who We Need See

The Miami Heat got off to a good start in the opening game of their opening-round NBA Playoff series against the Atlanta Hawks. Holding Trae Young to one of his worst showings ever in any game of any type, the Miami Heat came out with an obvious goal in mind and proceeded to accomplish that goal.

Not only did they get it done on that side of the ball, but they were explosive on offense as well. While most of the guys that played got involved in the barrage on the Hawks, P.J. Tucker and Duncan Robinson had themselves a resurgent type of performance.

Needless to say, if they can stay that hot from range, then the Miami Heat should, not only, run away with this series but be in a good position to be the victors in a few more during this postseason. Even amongst all of that though, the lockdown defense and the light show on offense, there was something that stood out about this game.

As the contest started out slow and sludgy for the Miami Heat, there was one guy who seemed to take the onus on himself to get them on the good foot, to get things started, and to lead the way. Of course, that was Jimmy Butler.

The Miami Heat got off to a good start to open their 2022 NBA Playoffs journey. If this Jimmy Butler keeps showing up, they can keep on doing it too.

Sinking a contested three-ball to get them out of the gates, Jimmy was engaged and active from the very start. He knew when he needed to activate.

And he stayed active too. That’s just the point though.

When you have a focused, engaged, determine, and mission-disciplined Jimmy Butler going for you, that’s a great thing. When he is as in tune with what his team is doing, needs, how he impacts that, and how to make everyone else go—that’s a recipe for something special.

Though he would finish as the second leading Miami Heat scorer on the afternoon, with Robinson going for 27 points to Jimmy’s 21, Jimmy’s engaged all-around attack was just what you needed to see from this team’s leader.

Take this move for example, one where Jimmy moves with intent, purpose, and a certain obligation in what he’s doing to Danillo Gallinari.

There isn’t anything special to it. All game long, Jimmy played like “he had his mind made up” and for a guy of his ilk and demeanor, that’s enough.

With this Jimmy Butler, all of the Miami Heat’s goals are before them. This is the Jimmy Butler that can lead them to the promised land.

This is the Jimmy Butler they need to keep getting. This is the Jimmy Butler we need to keep seeing.