Jimmy Butler turned in another playoff performance for the ages on Wednesday, helping will the Heat to a road victory over the Celtics in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Butler hit a dagger three to put the game out of reach of Boston late in the fourth quarter, and commentator Kevin Harlan perfectly amplified the moment with an outstanding call of the shot.
Butler’s three hit off the back rim before getting an extremely friendly bounce that put it on target. The shot gave Miami a 10-point lead with just over a minute left, and Harlan was absolutely fired up over it.
“Good! Jimmy Freaking Butler puts it in!” shouted a beatific Harlan.
“JIMMY. FREAKING. BUTLER.”
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) May 18, 2023
The dagger 🗡️ 🔥
🎥 @NBAonTNT pic.twitter.com/pkUKqHlLqF
An amazing shot made even better by a phenomenal call from Harlan.
After Butler hit the dagger, he was seen turning and winking as he jogged down the court.
Jimmy Butler with the wink to the Heat bench after that dagger three 😉 pic.twitter.com/6v3tZWOJdX
— Oh no he didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) May 18, 2023
Butler was unstoppable on Wednesday, leading the charge for the Heat with 35 points, six rebounds, five assists and seven steals.
According to ESPN, Butler became just the second player in history, joining none other than Michael Jordan, to record 30-plus points, five or more assists, five or more rebounds, and five-plus steals on the road in the playoffs.
Butler and the Heat will look to steal another road win at the TD Garden on Friday when they square off with the Celtics in Game 2.
