5 things we’ve learned from the Philadelphia 76ers’ win streak

2. Butler is the closer

When the game is on the line and you need a clutch basket, Jimmy Butler may be the best in the NBA. So why doesn’t Brett Brown use him in that role all of the time?

Brown has a history of getting the ball to J.J. Redick with the game on the line. In theory it’s the right move, as Redick is one of the best shooters in the NBA with a career 3-point percentage of over 41.3. But Redick has also missed several last second shots as a Sixer.

Brown’s late-game playcalling has come under heavy criticism this year from the media and from one player in particular — Jimmy Butler.

After the trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Jimmy Butler won two games for the Sixers with last second shots. After that, he seemed to mysteriously disappear from the late-game strategy. His frustration boiled over into several loud arguments with his head coach.

In the game against the Boston Celtics on March 20, Butler solidified himself as the only Sixer who should have the ball when the game is on the line. With 5.5 seconds left on the clock, Butler iced the game by shaking Kyrie Irving to sink an 18-footer from the corner, which came in a game where he scored 15 of his final 22 points in the fourth quarter.

The shot was immortalized by as Butler posed for the cameras and the crowd in a display of swagger and confidence.

There is no more argument to be had. Jimmy Butler is the 76ers’ closer and needs to be going forward.