Jimmy Butler is facing the biggest game of his career in Game 7 vs. Celtics in ECF

Following a heartbreaking loss Saturday night in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals, the Miami Heat have turned a 3-0 series lead into a 3-3 tie. 

No team in NBA history has ever come back from a 3-0 deficit to win a Game 7 in the postseason. Teams that hold a 3-0 record are 150-0 all-time. But that historic record might be broken come Monday night, as Boston returns home for Game 7.

The Miami Heat have made it to the conference finals three times in the past four years. Each visit was against the Boston Celtics. They only have one trip to the NBA Finals in that span, which happened in 2020.

That year they were the fifth seed and the Celtics were the third seed. Jimmy Butler averaged 19 points, six rebounds, and five assists. They held a 3-1 series lead and ended up winning in six games.

In 2022, they were the first seed and the Celtics were the second seed. Jimmy Butler averaged 25.6 points, seven rebounds, and 3.4 assists. They were down 3-2 and they ended up losing in seven games.

This year, they are the eighth seed and the Celtics are the second seed. Jimmy Butler is averaging 25.6 points, seven rebounds, and 3.4 assists. They were up 3-0 and now are on the brink of elimination.

So how did this happen? Jimmy Butler was playing out of his mind during Games 1-3, averaging 26.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, 6,3 assists, and 3.6 steals per game. We call him “Playoff Jimmy” for his ability to elevate his game in the postseason.  Many people thought the Celtics would get swept after going down 3-0. But something happened to Jimmy Butler.

After Game 4, being up 3-1 a reporter asked Jimmy Butler if there was any concern of momentum building for the Boston Celtics.

He replied, “No. If anything it will build momentum for us.”

In Game 5, Jimmy Butler only made 5 field goals in 34 minutes, only attempting 10 shots. After the game, he stated that they can and they will win this series.

In Game 6, he only made five field goals again, but this time attempting 21 shots, shooting 23.8% from the floor. For the third game in a row, Jimmy Butler has promised a victory the next game.

This is obviously the most important game of his career. After going up 3-0 he seems to have disappeared when his team needs him the most. He would be the focal point in biggest collapse in the history of the NBA.

If Jimmy Butler loses Game 7 after promising three victories in a row, while being the leader and best player on this Miami Heat team, while he has a nickname of “Playoff Jimmy” conversations are going to be held about his career and his legacy.

And they won’t be pretty.