Jimmy Butler is HIM: Heat star sets franchise playoff record with 56 points to stun Bucks
Jimmy Butler is HIM. An unbelievable performance by the Heat star had Miami fans chanting "MVP! MVP!", as the final seconds transpired in Game 4 of the Milwaukee-Miami series (now 1-3). Fans Kaseya Center in South Florida were treated to a 56-point peformance by Butler, a franchise playoff record and fourth highest postseason scoring record of all-time.
Milwaukee led by as many as 15 points at some point in the game, however Miami came from behind and, on an unanswered 13-point streak midway through the fourth quarter, took its first lead of the matchup with just 2:29 left on the clock.
Butler's was a feat that could be remembered forever in NBA playoff history as he surpassed the likes of LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and Shaquille O'Neal as the franchise's leading scorer in a playoff game. The 56 points were also his highest total so far this season. He also recovered nine rebounds and gave two assists.
Giannis Antetokounmpo's return wasn't enough
The Bucks could not take advantage of the return of the star of their franchise: Greek star Giannis Antetokounmpo. The former MVP who has lingering lower back problems, was forced to watch the last two games from the bench.
Despite the defeat, the return of the Greek Freak was nothing short of spectacular, registering a triple double. However, he seemingly disappeared in the last minutes when Butler shone the most.
Antetokounmpo was not limited in minutes by the team's coach, Mike Budenholzer, which is why the 2021 Finals MVP and two-time regular season MVP still played at his usual level.
The Heat and Bucks series now makes its way back to Milwaukee, where Game 5 will take place on Wednesday night at 9:30 pm ET.
Most single-game points scored in NBA playoff history
- 63 - Michael Jordan (1986)
- 61 - Elgin Baylor (1962)
- 57 - Donovan Mitchell (2020)
- 56 - Jimmy Butler (2023)
- 56 - Michael Jordan (1992)
- 56 - Charles Barkley (1994)
- 56 - Wilt Chamberlain (1962)
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