MIAMI, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 20: Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat looks on against the New York Knicks during the first half at American Airlines Arena on December 20, 2019 in Miami, Florida. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Jimmy Butler dropped 45 points as Miami Heat went 2-0 up against the Atlanta Hawks.
Miami is on a roll, as they are now 2-0 up in their first-round series against the Atlanta Hawks. After finishing the regular season as the 1st seed in the Eastern Conference, they are one of the favorites to win the championship this season.
Jimmy Butler is back in form, and he showed that with his performance in the 2nd game against Atlanta. He went off for 45 points, which is also his career-high in playoffs. Miami is looking very solid. Notably, their defense is playing at a high level, and any team would find it hard to get past them in the playoffs.
Talking about his good performances lately, Jimmy Butler said, “I am a different player now than I was then, I just always want to play basketball the right way and do whatever it takes to help this team, this organization win. That’s why they brought me here.”
He added, “I’m not as ball-dominant as I was in the Bubble, We got a point guard, and that’s Kyle and I love him being a point guard. I just get to go out there and try to score. And if I can’t score, pass the ball. We’re a different team, I’m a different player.”
The head coach of the Miami Heat Erik Spoelstra was in full awe of Jimmy Butler after his exceptional performance in game 2 against the Atlanta Hawks. He compared him to the likes of Dwayne Wade, who is considered one of the best players to ever play for Miami.
Spoelstra said, “It actually is a good comparison because if you get in those pressure moments and the moments of truth, if you’re on the other side, would you ever want to just give Dwyane Wade an open 3? You would not,”
He added, “Because he’s a killer. He’s going to seize that moment. And Jimmy has a lot of those same qualities. You can say whatever the percentage is — throw those all out when it becomes about winning. He’ll find a way to kill you.”
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