Jimmy Butler - the best player left in Playoffs?

[Jadoogar]

Didn't Luka just beat a 64 win heavy championship favourites?

[NZB2323]

Is there any historical precedent to what Butler is doing? A player who never has been a top 5 player in the league, not even close, has a run like this. Even his best up to date run in 2020 was NOWHERE near this. Has any top 10-top 10ish player ever did this, just playing like a league MVP for a whole playoff and win the ring? Nobody comes to mind, right?

Baron Davis had one hell of a run in 2007, but he lost in the 2nd round. You could argue that the 2007 Mavs are better than any team Butler has beat though.

[longtallbrad]

Is there any historical precedent to what Butler is doing? A player who never has been a top 5 player in the league, not even close, has a run like this. Even his best up to date run in 2020 was NOWHERE near this. Has any top 10-top 10ish player ever did this, just playing like a league MVP for a whole playoff and win the ring? Nobody comes to mind, right?

Shout out to Chauncey Billups.

[Lalouie]

the "moment" seems to cuff and lock up a lot of fans these days

[HoopsterJones]

He’s a very strong candidate for the inaugural Larry Bird ECF MVP award.

[Up-And-Coming]

Is there any historical precedent to what Butler is doing? A player who never has been a top 5 player in the league, not even close, has a run like this. Even his best up to date run in 2020 was NOWHERE near this. Has any top 10-top 10ish player ever did this, just playing like a league MVP for a whole playoff and win the ring? Nobody comes to mind, right?

Butler's play in the Finals 2020 was just as good if not better (especially if you don't consider the Game 6 blowout). He faced an elite Lakers' team (2nd in defensive efficiency) in the Finals, without his 2nd & 3rd best player due to injury and averaged 26/8/10 on elite scoring efficiency. Only player in NBA history to outscore, out-rebound, and out-assist LeBron in a playoff game.

I remember after the Finals he was extremely exhausted so we'll see if he can continue his superstar play from these last 11 games without slowing down a bit but he's one of the few players you can count on when it matters.

[rate_]

RIght now in the playoffs: Jimmy > Luka.