Jimmy Butler says ‘complete team effort’ behind 56-point gem
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Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler after making a shot against the Milwaukee Bucks during the NBA play-offs, on April 24.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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MIAMI – Jimmy Butler saluted his Miami Heat teammates on Monday night after his 56-point masterpiece left the top-seeded Milwaukee Bucks facing an early exit from the National Basketball Association (NBA) Eastern Conference play-offs.
The forward produced one of the greatest scoring displays in play-off history in a 119-114 home win, which also means Miami need just one more victory in the best-of-seven series to advance as they lead 3-1.
The 33-year-old six-time NBA All-Star insisted that his solo gem – the joint fourth-highest individual points tally in play-off history – owed as much to the selflessness of his teammates as his own big-game temperament.
“This legit was a complete team effort,” Butler said.
“I know everybody sees the 56 points but, if my teammates aren’t looking to get me the ball, or setting great screens, where I can get to my right or my left or the free-throw line, this game’s a lot different.
“A lot of shots went in tonight. But my teammates kept feeding me the ball and telling me to attack. When you’ve got teammates like that, good things happen.”
Butler added that the win also reflected Miami’s battle-hardened team spirit.
The Heat forced their way into the play-offs only via the play-in tournament, and they are the lowest-ranked seed in the Eastern Conference’s post-season bracket.
But none of that matters now as they aim to go far in the play-offs.
“The best thing about this group is that we’re confident, no matter what,” Butler said.
“We believe we can compete with anybody as long as we’re together. We all love being around one another. And through the good and bad, you can tell one another the truth, and you move on.
“That’s the formula right now – and the reason we’re winning.
“We knew what we were capable of, even if nobody outside of this building or this roster believed in us. We just want to continue what we know is possible – play good basketball, smile and have fun, and be together no matter what.”
Miami Heat’s Victor Oladipo (left) and Duncan Robinson celebrate during the second quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks.
PHOTO: AFP
Butler joins illustrious company at the top of the all-time, single-game scoring leaders in the NBA play-offs.
Only Michael Jordan (63 points), Elgin Baylor (61) and Donovan Mitchell (57) have scored more in a post-season game. Also scoring 56 were Wilt Chamberlain, Jordan and Charles Barkley.
Butler, who led Miami to the NBA Finals in 2020, admitted that he thrives in the intense conditions of play-off basketball.
“I just love the competitive aspect of it, I guess,” he said.
“This is where the best players show up. I’m not saying I’m one of those best players but I want to be looked at as such.
“I want to go out and compete and do everything I can to help my team win, along with everyone else on this roster.”
Bam Adebayo added 15 points and eight rebounds and Caleb Martin scored 12 points for Miami, who never led until the final 3min 17sec.
“For 40 minutes of this game, it was frustrating. But it just shows you that, when you have the right grit and perseverance, you can win,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra saiId. “And then, it always helps to have a guy like him (Butler).”
The Heat will have a chance to clinch the series in Game 5 on Wednesday night in Milwaukee.
Brook Lopez had 36 points and 11 rebounds for the Bucks. Giannis Antetokounmpo returned from a two-game absence caused by a back injury to produce 26 points, 13 assists and 10 rebounds.
“We had our opportunities in the fourth quarter. We didn’t make enough plays on either end,” Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer said. “And they did.”
Lopez added: “It’s a tough draw, but we have to keep getting better, keep making life tough for him (Butler).” AFP, REUTERS
