Unveiling Jimmy Butler’s Explosive Playoff Performances That Changed the Game Forever

When it comes to the postseason, Jimmy Butler doesn’t just show up — he arrives with fire. You ever wonder if there’s a switch that flips inside some players, turning them from regular season competitors into playoff beasts? Well, Butler might just be that guy, or should I say, that force of nature. Scoring 38 points in a high-stakes play-in game against the Memphis Grizzlies, he didn’t just help his team secure victory; he outscored Steph Curry by a point — now that’s something we don’t see every day! What’s even more fascinating is that whenever Butler drops 38 or more in playoff or play-in games, his team’s practically guaranteed a win, sitting at an impressive 8-1 record. From jaw-dropping 56-point performances to clutch moments that demand your full attention, Butler’s playoff scoring highlights are more than just stats — they’re stories of grit, determination, and pure basketball brilliance. Ready to dive into the moments that define “Postseason Jimmy”? LEARN MORE.

Jimmy Butler has had some of his biggest moments in the NBA 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 points in Golden State’s 121-116 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies in Tuesday night’s Western Conference play-in game to set up the Warriors for a first-round series with the Houston Rockets. He shot 12 of 20 from the floor and 12 of 18 from the foul line, finishing with one more point than teammate Steph Curry’s 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).

The Bucks led by 11 after three quarters, so it looked like they were going to win this pivotal Game 4 and even the series. But a monster fourth quarter by Butler and the Heat gave them a 3-1 series lead.

They went on to close out 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 the final game 100-96 to claim the series.

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 in 42 points to eliminate the Bucks from the playoffs.

Interestingly, though, he only had two points in overtime while the Heat turned up their defensive effort in the extra period.

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 him 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, Aug. 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.