Hoops Habit
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Philadelphia 76ers: 3 takeaways from huge Game 6 win vs. Raptors

BySimon Smith|
PHILADELPHIA, PA - MAY 09: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers walks to the locker room as a fan holds up a sign after Game Six of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Toronto Raptors at the Wells Fargo Center on May 9, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Raptors 112-101. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - MAY 09: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers walks to the locker room as a fan holds up a sign after Game Six of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Toronto Raptors at the Wells Fargo Center on May 9, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Raptors 112-101. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
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(Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)

2. The continued brilliance of Jimmy Butler

Despite the up-and-down nature of this series, one thing that has stayed constant has been the sublime play of Jimmy Butler. This theme continued on Thursday night, with Butler turning in yet another excellent performance.

In 35 minutes, the 29-year-old wing posted 29 points, eight assists and six rebounds while being a +15 while on the floor. Acting as both a shot-maker and distributor, Butler has been without question the standout Sixer throughout the series.

With his ability to score in particular from the mid-range and close to the rim, he’s proven to be a significant handful for the Raptors’ defense, especially when you take into account the fact he is also averaging 7.2 free throw attempts per game.

Overall for the series, Butler is averaging 23.0 points, 7.3 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 1.2 steals in 36.9 minutes per game. Notably, Butler is leading the team in both scoring and assists, while also providing an exemplary presence at the defensive end of the floor.

Following his terrific performance, coach Brown outlined his praise for Butler:

"“The way he started, even the way he ended the first half, he just stamped his authority and his skill package….he was all over that game.”"

Given the relative playoff inexperience of fellow starters in Simmons, Joel Embiid and Tobias Harris, the stage is set for Butler to produce an epic performance in Game 7.