“Unleashing Greatness: How Jimmy Butler Defied Expectations with Jaw-Dropping Scoring Spree in the Playoffs!”

In the realm of playoff basketball, there are legends, and then there’s Jimmy Butler, whose ability to elevate his game when it counts is nothing short of mesmerizing. Is it too bold to suggest that we should crown him “Postseason Jimmy” instead of the regular ol’ “Playoff Jimmy”? Well, consider this: not only does Butler shine in high-pressure playoff games, but he’s also making a mark in the intense atmosphere of play-in matchups. Just recently, he dropped 38 points while helping the Golden State Warriors secure a victory over the Memphis Grizzlies. With an impressive shooting performance behind him, it’s clear Butler thrives when the stakes are at their peak. So how does he do it—and how do his highest-scoring postseason moments stack up against some of the biggest names in NBA history? Join me as we delve into Jimmy Butler’s most extraordinary scoring displays, showcasing his uncanny ability to excel when it matters most. LEARN MORE.

Jimmy Butler has had some of his biggest moments in the postseason. Here are his highest point totals in playoff and play-in games.

We might need to start calling him Postseason Jimmy instead of Playoff Jimmy. Because Jimmy Butler shows up in play-in games as well.

Butler poured in 38 in the Golden State Warriors’ 121-116 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies in Tuesday night’s Western Conference play-in game to set the Warriors up for a first-round series with the Houston Rockets. He was 12 of 20 shooting and 12 of 18 from the foul line, while teammate Steph Curry added 37.

Had Butler been able to hit a couple more free throws, it would have been the ninth time Butler scored 40 or more in a playoff or play-in game. Nevertheless, when scoring 38 or more in such contests, his team is now 8-1. When the lights shine the brightest, Butler seems to come through as often as any player in the league.

Here are Butler’s top-scoring games in the postseason.

1.) 56 points on April 24, 2023 (Miami Heat 119, Milwaukee Bucks 114)

This is the only time Butler has scored 50 or more points in the postseason, and it’s tied for the fourth-highest scoring game in NBA postseason history, behind only Michael Jordan (63), Elgin Baylor (61) and Donovan Mitchell (57).

It looked like the Bucks were going to win this pivotal Game 4 and even the series. Milwaukee led by 11 after three quarters. But a monster fourth quarter by Butler and the Heat gave them a 3-1 series lead. Miami would go on to closeout the series in the following game.

2.) 47 points, May 27, 2022 (Miami Heat 111, Boston Celtics 103)

In a win-or-go-home Game 6 in the Eastern Conference Finals, Butler dominated the Boston Celtics to force a Game 7. Unfortunately for Miami, the Celtics would go on to win Game 7 100-96.

3.) 45 points, April 19, 2022 (Miami Heat 115, Atlanta Hawks 105)

4.) 42 points, April 26, 2023 (Miami Heat 128, Milwaukee Bucks 126 OT)

Butler’s had some big moments against the Bucks in the playoffs, and Game 5 in 2023 was up there for his very best. He dropped 42 points to eliminate the Bucks from the playoffs. Interestingly, though, he only had two points in overtime, as the Heat turned up their defensive effort in the extra period to win.

5.) 41 points, May 17, 2022 (Miami Heat 118, Boston Celtics 107)

T6.) 40 points, Oct. 4, 2020 (Miami Heat 115, Los Angeles Lakers 104)

This may not be Butler’s highest scoring game, but it was one of his most impressive. With the Lakers up 2-0, Miami needed a big effort from Butler to keep the NBA Finals competitive and he delivered, with 40 points, 13 assists and 11 rebounds. No one else on the Heat had more than 17 points.

T6.) 40 points, May 8, 2022 (Philadelphia 76ers 116, Miami Heat 108)

T6.) 40 points, August 31, 2020 (Miami Heat 115, Milwaukee Bucks 104)

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The post Postseason Buckets: Jimmy Butler’s Highest-Scoring Playoff (and Play-In) Games appeared first on Opta Analyst.