Jimmy Butler erupted for 56 points during an epic playoff performance on Monday night. He was sensational and dominated down the stretch as he led the Miami Heat to a 119-114, come-from-behind victory over the Milwaukee Bucks to take a 3-1 lead in the best-of-7 first-round playoff series. The 56 points are the most ever in a Heat playoff game. Almost immediately after the games Heat fans began debating. Could this be the greatest individual performance in Miami Heat playoff history ?
Absolutely it could. TNT host Charles Barkley called Jimmy Butler’s show in game 4 “the best performance I’ve seen, since I’ve been on television” . I was there this was insane. So I ask myself. What could possibly top that ?
LeBron James in game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Boston Celtics in 2012 is perhaps the greatest playoff performance in NBA history. Possibly the single most pressure anyone has ever faced in the NBA history. Losing was not an option for King James. Even before the tip Lebron had that cyborg look in his eyes. On the road in Boston . Bron dropped 45 points, snatched 15 rebounds. Then he won game 7 and his first championship. Legendary. That is the number one playoff performance in Miami Heat as well as NBA history right there with Jordan’s record 63 point game. Nobody has ever been bigger when you absolutely, positively had to have it. He delivered.
I remember this one well, Wade was in his third season with the Heat and had already developed into a standout player. Yet, with the Heat in danger of a potential 3-0 deficit to the Dallas Mavericks in the 2006 finals, he took it upon himself to lead the Heat to victory. On that night, Wade finished with a with 42 points and 13 rebounds, he was relentless in attacking the basket. Almost single handedly , Wade got the Heat back on track, as his heroics helped lead the Heat to win four consecutive games to capture their first NBA Championship.
Lebron number one, Wade number two and Jimmy’s 56 piece ranks third in Miami Heat history.
Let’s argue.
