So Jimmy Butler was pretty awesome last night.
In 43 minutes of burn, the Chicago Bulls guard registered 32 points (on 11-23 shooting), pulled in 6 rebounds and handed out two assists. Not too shabby, however it was the final act of the Jimmy Butler show that was the most fun to watch. Butler saved his best for last, when he went on a fourth quarter scoring tear, pouring in 14 of his season high 32 points in a variety of ways in just over a nine minute span.
For a guy who has compared himself to ‘La Cabra‘, this was a game where you couldn’t help but draw comparisons between the two players. We know Butler worked extensively on his game in the offseason, but it’s clearly apparent that his relationship with MJ has rubbed off on him and that he continues to patent aspects of his game around his Airness. Added to that, more and more Butler seems to be harnessing the ability to put the Bulls on his back (like Mike) and go for the jugular of which ever poor soul is assigned to defend him (Sound familiar?). Not to mention, he’s a terror on the defensive end, just ask Brandon Knight and Eric Bledsoe.
Need more proof? Look no further than this series of Vines from the final 9+ minute span of his epic 4th quarter…
The victim? Rookie, Devin Booker. Commentator Neil Funk says “He’s got the rookie on a string”…
Yeah about that, Neil…
Memo to P.J. Tucker and Tyson Chandler, Jimmy Butler is crafty.
After a 7-2 run fuelled by Butler, he then abused Tucker again.
Then capped off the MJ-esque step back, with this three over 6’10’ Markieff Morris..
The final indignation and nail in the coffin.
Air apparent? Well, after one All-Star season it’s a little soon to say and of course there will only ever be one Michael Jordan. With that said, Jimmy Butler is certainly making us believe he can come close.
