If there was any team in the lower half of the East’s top-8, that could have upset the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round of the 2023 Playoffs, it was the Miami Heat. And led by Jimmy Butler, they have started on that path already.
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Sure, it needed Giannis Antetokounmpo to injure (bruise) his lower back and get off the game in the second quarter, but Jimmy Buckets had it going throughout the game.
The former Bulls forward had a game-high 35-point night to go along with 5 rebounds, 11 assists, and 3 steals to snatch Game 1, 117-130. This was the 3rd time Jimmy had a 35/10/5 game in the Playoffs.
Jimmy Butler becomes just the 6th player in NBA history to put up 35/10/5 three or more times
With his tremendous start to the series, Butler only trails LeBron James, Michael Jordan, Oscar Robertson, Jerry West, and Russell Westbrook on the list of players having 35 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists games in the post-season.
What a tremendous way to statistically prove that he is one of the best players in the game when it matters the most.
Although the NBA community always believes him to be the man who can turn any playoff series at any moment of time, it must be nice to make some records along with it.
The Heat will be a problem to deal with even if Giannis makes an early return
Khris Middleton who scored 33 points in the loss, might have found his way just at the right time, but he has got to keep that up even after Giannis returns in the series.
Tyler Herro’s broken arm is only a green signal to Jimmy Buckets going all out on the Bucks. And having won Game 1 in Milwaukee, it was just the boost he needed.
There are a couple of good games due from Kyle Lowry as well, who just scored 2 points in the win, coming off the bench. With Herro out, expect him to start the next one with Gabe Vincent and Max Sturss in the backcourt. Let’s hope we see a decent, if not prime Lowry, for one last post-season.
