Philadelphia 76ers vs. Miami Heat: 3 big questions and a prediction

Will the Philadelphia 76ers have an answer for Jimmy Butler and his outstanding postseason play?

The best player for Miami in the postseason is by far and away Jimmy Butler. He seems to have an extra gear he can shift into for the playoffs. Butler carried the Miami Heat to the NBA Finals in 2020, and he has no problem doing that again.

Butler is having an outstanding playoff run so far. Through five games he’s averaging 30.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 2.8 steals per game. I don’t know where the Heat would be without Butler. He is the glue that holds the Heat together in the playoffs.

Jimmy is capable of taking over on both offense and defense. I’d say that his perimeter defense and length are his biggest strengths, but he also has the agility to rack up points on offense. In Game 2 vs. the Hawks, Butler dropped 45 points on 15-25 shooting, going 11-12 from the free-throw line.

I think Jimmy enjoys the spotlight. He is best when the lights are brightest and he has proved that in his time with the Miami Heat. Philly is going to have to have somebody step up on defense and take on the challenge of guarding Butler. Not an easy task, but it can be done.