Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler destroyed the Milwaukee Bucks throughout their playoff series, but he saved the real dagger in the back for Game 5.
In one of the greatest last-second plays in recent NBA Playoffs history, Butler beat two defenders to grab a cross-court in-bounds pass and lay it in with less than a second remaining in regulation.
The basket tied the score and sent the game into overtime, where Butler and the No. 8 seed Heat finished their improbable mission, winning 128-126 to eliminate the heavily favored No. 1 Bucks, 4-1.
JIMMY BUTLER SENDS GAME 5 TO OVERTIME ON A CRAZY PLAY! 🏀🔥😲 pic.twitter.com/WCRw63qyA1
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) April 27, 2023
Butler’s shot capped an incredible rally that saw the Heat erase a 16-point fourth quarter deficit. He finished with 42 points, and averaged 37.6 points per game in the five-game series.
Twitter went ballistic over the Butler shot, with many fans convinced that he pushed off and didn’t get called for the foul.
JIMMY BUTLER IS NOT OF THIS PLANET pic.twitter.com/uPFZfF8p5W
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) April 27, 2023
Jimmy Butler is like a shark in a kiddie pool – he dominates and doesn't care who's watching. His work ethic, drive, and tenacity are unmatched. Keep chomping at your goals like Butler chomps on his competition!
— Carlos Gil (@carlosgil83) April 27, 2023
Jimmy BUCKETS!!!!!! This man EARNS his money!!!!! Every last dime!!!!! What a competitor!!!
— Chris Williams (@SportsBizChris) April 27, 2023
NBA script writers going crazy these playoffs
— Will Thompson (@willyt2234) April 27, 2023
Push. Off.
— Charlie Fischer (@cfischer00) April 27, 2023
Jimmy Butler pushed off on that lob …
– HURT BUCKS FAN
— Grasshopper (@Notoriosoo) April 27, 2023
Don’t forget, Spoelstra designed that play. And kudos to the players that executed it well, and to Jimmy’s clutch. Great teamwork!
— Cris Batin (@CeeDCBee) April 27, 2023
No way! Jimmy Butler ties the game with a lob! What a play!
— Lance Caporossi (@LanceCaporossi) April 27, 2023
Jimmy Butler hella pushed off on that shot to go to overtime lol. But the Bucks choked that game away regardless.
— Joseph Martin Rosales (@JoeRoInter) April 27, 2023
[Photo credit: Miami Heat]
