Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler has been bringing out a whole new side of his team this season.
Jimmy Butler scored 40 points in 45 minutes on Sunday night for the Miami Heat and yet, his offense alone wasn’t what earned the team their Game 3 victory – it was also what his unwavering confidence, did for his teammates.
The Eastern Conference champions went into their third meeting with the Los Angeles Lakers down 2-0, coming off of a disappointing 124-114 loss. What’s more is that they were without either Bam Adebayo or Goran Dragic, both of whom sustained significant injuries (to the neck and foot, respectively) during Game 1.
Heat Nation was feeling sorry for themselves. All the experts were predicting a clean sweep. But Butler wasn’t phased.
It didn’t matter that Meyers Leonard, who was starting in place of Adebayo, saw just 18 minutes of postseason action prior, for a total of seven points and three assists. Or that Derrick Jones Jr., once a key rotation player, had been averaging almost as many fouls as points, throughout the playoffs.
(Or you know, that he turned his own ankle at the start of the series.)
Butler went into Game 3 without any doubt that Miami would be able to persevere. And you best believe that mentality rubbed off on the rest of the team too.
Take Tyler Herro, for example. Despite the fan-favorite shooting a measly 2-of-7 from 3-point land, he ultimately delivered 17 points in 36 minutes, alongside three rebounds, two assists and a steal. And more importantly, was still very much feeling himself by the end of the game, producing a snarl for the ages, which will undoubtedly live on forever in Heat history.
— ESPN (@espn) October 5, 2020
"“I’ve never made that face before in my entire life,” the rookie told the Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson. “[It] kind of just happened.”"
Kelly Olynyk also found himself in his bag, recording 17 points on 5-of-9 shooting, seven rebounds and two steals, in 31 minutes of play.
"“We believe in ourselves,” the big man said in a postgame interview with Jared Greenberg and Steve Smith. “You know, we believe in our system, believe in our coaches, they put a great game-plan in and we execute it… I knew that right now is the time when I needed to step up and make some plays on the offensive end for us.”"
Even head coach Erik Spoelstra seems to have an added pep in his step lately, most notably when speaking about his guys, after their Game 2 loss.
"“Well, we don’t give a sh*t what everybody else thinks,” Spoelstra proudly stated, in his presser. “Whatever– your first question– how did you phrase it? What will it take? Whatever is necessary. It’s as simple as that. If you want something badly enough, you figure it out.”"
So what does this all mean?
Well, that what Butler provides for Miami goes way beyond anything that can be found on a stat sheet.
Sure, his ability to split defenders down the floor and finish at the rim is great, especially when the Heat find themselves struggling from downtown. And yes, his defensive prowess is definitely appreciated, most certainly against a sizable Lakers squad.
There is no doubt that when he takes over a game, the odds instantly increase in the Heat’s favor.
But what fans should applaud their leader for more than anything, is how he lifts up his teammates; because that’s what will ensure that they’ll keep winning as a unit.
Butler is the reason why Jae Crowder is ready to fight any opponent, who so much as side-eyes him or any other member of the Heat. He’s why Solomon Hill drills an effortless 3-pointer, when Miami needs it most. And why Kendrick Nunn has kept ready in the Bubble.
The Jimmy Butler Effect is in full swing.