Photo Credit: JIM RASSOL, USA TODAY SPORTS
Jimmy Butler is one of the most clutch players in the NBA. He has a knack for making big plays in big moments, and he has led his team to victory on numerous occasions. However, Butler has also been on the wrong end of some heartbreaking buzzer-beaters. In fact, Butler has been a part of the losing team in three out of six game-winning buzzer-beaters when facing elimination in NBA history.
The first time Butler was on the wrong end of a buzzer-beater was in the 2015 NBA playoffs. It was Game 4 of the 2015 Eastern Conference first-round between the Chicago Bulls and the Milwaukee Buck, when Jerryd Bayless made the game-winning layup. The Bulls still ended up winning the series 4-2.
The second time Butler was on the wrong end of a buzzer-beater was in the 2019 NBA playoffs. Butler was playing for the Philadelphia 76ers as they were facing the Toronto Raptors in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Semis. Kawhi Leonard became the first person to make a buzzer-beating game-winner in a Game 7 in NBA history. And what a dramatic one it was.
The ball bounced around the rim for a good while before deciding to go in, making the already memorable ending even more memorable.
The third time Butler was on the wrong end of a buzzer-beater was in the 2023 NBA playoffs. Butler was playing for the Miami Heat, and they were facing the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals. The Heat were up 3-2 in the series, and were on the brink of reaching the NBA Finals, leading by one point with just seconds left in the game. Then Derrick White hit the last-second game-winner.
Butler has been a part of some amazing playoff moments, both good and bad. He is a clutch player who has a knack for making big plays in big moments. However, Butler has also been on the wrong end of some heartbreaking buzzer-beaters. Only time will tell if Butler will be able to lead his team to a championship and avoid being on the wrong end of another buzzer-beater. Maybe already tonight…
