The “playoff Jimmy” nickname was birthed from Butler’s reputation as a playoff performer. Since coming to Miami back in 2019, Jimmy has led his team to several impressive playoff runs, including last year’s appearance in the NBA Finals, where he averaged 21.6 points, 6.4 assists, and 4.6 rebounds over five games.
Year after year, despite a mediocre regular season, the Heat seem to always be in the race for the title and it’s always a safe bet to pick them as one of the last teams standing in the Eastern Conference. For Butler, the way he’s elevated his game in the postseason makes him a very rare kind of player, and it has earned him the respect of his peers and competitors all across the league.
With two Finals appearances over the last four years, the Heat have come agonizingly close to winning the championship before and there is still hope they they can do it again before it’s all said and done. Last year was arguably their most impressive attempt yet, coming to within three wins of the championship as the 8h seed in the East.
Currently, at 7th in the standings, the Heat haven’t looked like a top-flight championship contender but if anyone has shown the ability to recover it’s them.
With guys like Terry Rozier and Jaime Jaquez Jr. added into the mix, Miami is hoping it’s enough to finally get them over the edge and bring home the Larry O’Brien trophy for the first time since LeBron James left.
Currently ranked 7th in defense, and 22nd offensively, Miami has some clear shortcomings on the roster but they’ve proven enough that no team is willing to count them out until they’re officially eliminated.
From now until round one, look for Butler to start ramping up his intensity as he prepares to fight for another chance at the title. Regardless of what else happens in the East, Butler and his Heat team will be ready to go once the action begins and they’ve proven before how effective their strategy can be. Jimmy Butler is the key to everything for Miami and it’s only on his back that the Heat will find any success in the immediate future.
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