MIAMI, FLORIDA – MAY 17: Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat looks on against the Boston Celtics during the fourth quarter in Game One of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Finals at FTX Arena on May 17, 2022 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Miami Heat superstar Jimmy Butler continues to dominate in the playoffs, embarrassing the Boston Celtics in the third quarter of Game 1.
Regardless of the fanbase, NBA fans from all over have been awestruck by Jimmy Butler in the playoffs. Even Celtics legend Kendrick Perkins gave Butler his due, a testament to just how much his excellence deserves praise—even when he embarrassed Perkins’ beloved Boston team.
Here’s a stat to validate Perkins’ perspective: Jimmy Butler scored 41 points in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals series against the Celtics.
And although the Jays are to blame for the rampant Celtics turnovers in the third quarter, Butler deserves accolades for a wild third-quarter stat.
A Reddit user pointed out that Butler outscored the entire Celtics team in the third quarter alone: 17-14.
Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler outscored all the Celtics in Game 1 third quarter
Butler’s 17 points added to a total of 39 points for Miami in the third, adding to what was a spectacular performance by Butler and his teammates playing up on defense.
NBA.com’s Couper Moorhead beautifully recounted just how magnificent Butler in what was set to be a contested matchup.
“There’s a level of pressure that Butler can apply to your offense that makes every pass carry just a little more inherent risk to it – an effect that played a major role as the HEAT’s defense fed their offense over and over and over again in the third quarter.”
Although Perkins gave Butler his due credit, he also offered a bit of advice to Jaylen Brown: if he wants to one day join the NBA75, now is the time to build towards that legacy.
Brown may need the pep talk after a difficult Game 1 loss, as Butler is sure to continue to keep Celtics players on their toes with every possession.