Respect the name of Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler. During a victory over the top-seeded Milwaukee Bucks with a final score of 130 to 117, the veteran led his team to success with 35 points, 11 assists, 5 rebounds and 3 recovered balls in 42 minutes. Butler became the fourth player, along with LeBron, Jordan and Westbrook, in NBA history to have 35 points, 10 assists and 3 steals in multiple playoff games, as reported by ESPN Stats & Info.
Jimmy Butler is the 4th player to record 35 points, 10 assists and 3 steals in multiple playoff games, joining Michael Jordan, Russell Westbrook and LeBron James. pic.twitter.com/B9blrmLBr3
– ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) April 17, 2023
Butler joins NBA icon Michael Jordan, Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James, and Los Angeles Clippers star Russell Westbrook on that very short list of players who have reached or surpassed those numbers multiple times in the postseason.
The former 30th overall pick surpassed LeBron for the second most games of at least 35 points in Heat history. Miami legend Dwyane Wade tops the list at 14 games, but Butler could theoretically reach that number one these days by staying healthy in these playoffs.
Most 35+ point Playoff games in Heat history:
Dwyane Wade: 14 Games
Jimmy Butler: 10 Games
LeBron James: 9 Games pic.twitter.com/JLwIWWLCPF– NBA History (@NBAHistory) April 17, 2023
Butler is also a world-class defender. Highly regarded for his defensive acumen, tenacity, and instincts, it is not surprising to see him record three assists in a game. Frankly, he-like Kawhi Leonard or Paul George-is one of the true stars who consistently elevates his team with his defensive play.
Read also: Grizzlies worried about Ja Morant’s injury: in serious doubt for Game-2
