In the second overtime thriller of the season between the Miami Heat and Detroit Pistons in the Motor City, Miami’s most recent 125-124 loss stung. A resilient comeback effort from down 19 points in the second half and 16 in the fourth quarter fell just short. Despite the heart breaking ending, Jimmy Butler put together an incredible vintage performance.
Ultimately, the Pistons' scorching hot shooting led by Malik Beasley’s 28 points on 50% shooting and Cade Cunningham’s 20 points, 18 assists and 11 rebounds triple-double willed Detroit to the victory. Tim Hardaway Jr. also knocked down three triples in a row in the overtime period, killing all of Miami’s momentum. They shot 49% from the field and 50% from 3-point range as a team.
The Heat snapped their four-game win streak and fell to the East’s sixth seed at a 13-11 record. They closed the fourth quarter on a 18-2 run and 33-17 advantage in the period. Butler and Tyler Herro exchanged huge clutch buckets down the stretch, including a ridiculously tough 3-pointer to force the game into overtime in the final seconds from Herro.
But the player of the game for Miami went to Butler, who kept his team’s offense afloat from the start. His elite efficiency disrupted the Pistons defense, and he put together one of his greatest performances in a Heat uniform.
Jimmy Butler recorded a triple-double with 35 points, 19 rebounds, 10 assists and four steals on 57% shooting.
Butler’s 19 boards were good for a career-high, as he led both teams in scoring en route to an MVP-type outing. He also put up these video game numbers while not commiting a single turnover on the night— the first player in NBA history to record that statline with zero turnovers. The Heat outscored the Pistons by 11 points in his minutes.
In Mike Miller fashion, Butler hit the go ahead bucket in the final seconds of overtime with one shoe on. He was able to do it all, although couldn’t get back on defense in time while putting the shoe back on to prevent the eventual game-winner by Cade Cunningham in semi-transition.
Jimmy Butler loses a shoe, but gets the board and the bucket! #HEATNation pic.twitter.com/oUtdWPDwlB
— HEAT on FanDuel Sports Network (@FanDuelSN_Heat) December 17, 2024
Butler single handedly kept Miami within striking distance throughout the night. He led the team with 21 first half points, where he was up to 7 of 10 shooting at the time. His two-way versatility provided a dominant impact during a rough shooting night for the rest of his teammates.
The disappointment was visible among players and staff in the postgame comments. Butler was not happy about falling short and thought that he could’ve done more, regardless of the masterclass effort.
"Maybe I got to do better, maybe I got to do more," Butler told reporters. "But I hate losing, I despise losing."
Heat fans cannot take these prime Butler games for granted, especially with the recent trade speculation surrounding him.
The aggression in getting to the free throw line upped his usage, where he shot 10 of 12 from the charity stripe. Butler tends to be at his best when the ball is in his hands and manipulates the game with drawing fouls. It seemed like everything was working for the veteran forward.
The Heat superstar made a strong case to show he is max contract worthy amid recent trade speculation.
Regardless of Butler being 35 years old, he has not slowed down with his performance on the court. His dominant showing increased his season totals to 19.4 points, 6.1 rebounds and 5.0 assists on a career best 55.2% shooting.