How Jimmy Butler's 22-point 1st quarter set the tone for the Miami Heat's

  Jimmy Butler of the Miami Heat delivered an outstanding performance against Milwaukee Bucks despite missing two games due to injury. He amassed 30 points, five rebounds and four assists across 28 minutes of game action for an outstanding total. The victory gave the Heat a 2-1 series advantage and put them one step closer to reaching the Eastern Conference finals. 1. Butler’s Three-Point Shot Jimmy Butler has proven to be one of the Miami Heat's most valuable players this postseason despite historically poor three-point shooting skills. Specifically during playoff play he has averaged 19.4 points and 6.1 rebounds while shooting 34.6% from deep against both Toronto Raptors and Boston Celtics teams. He has made an impressionful first impression among many fans and observers; yet Butler has come under some fire for taking a three-point shot in the closing seconds of Game 7 against Boston Celtics in Eastern Conference Finals. Though it's understandable to question why Butler chose to attempt a go-ahead three with only 16 seconds remaining, it must be remembered that he held the ball and had an open look - as well as earned the right to attempt that shot despite perhaps it not being his ideal attempt from beyond the arc. Butler has made history before by taking go-ahead threes under these conditions during both regular season and playoff play, most recently doing it twice during game six of this series. He has proven his worth as an integral player on Miami this postseason by showing that he can score in various ways, using his size, strength and athleticism to reach the rim and open space for teammates while shooting efficiently as well. These attributes have made him one of the most valuable members of their squad and will continue to ensure future success for Miami. 2. Butler’s Rebound Miami Heat kicked off their NBA playoff run by defeating Giannis Antetokounmpo-less Milwaukee Bucks 130-117 at Fiserv Forum. Miami now holds a 2-1 advantage in their series against Milwaukee. Butler was the key figure in Miami Heat's victory, scoring 35 points and tallying five rebounds and 11 assists during a dominating first half that propelled their start from the field to take control. On March 8, the Heat had their best shooting night of the season, hitting 12 three-pointers in just the first quarter and 16 overall, setting a franchise playoff record with 12 threes made during that quarter alone. Heat finished the first half with a 14-point lead thanks to Butler and Max Strus' contributions on offense. Even with a valiant effort from Bucks forward Bogut, Miami managed to maintain their advantage throughout third and fourth quarter play. Resilience was key in the Heat's victory. They allowed the Bucks to close within three points with 5:14 left but never allowed them back in, eventually retaking their lead by as much as 15 points - with Butler leading them all the way. 3. Butler’s Assist Butler was an integral component of Miami Heat's victory against Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday in their best-of-seven first-round series. Although limited to just three minutes in the third quarter, Butler notched 30 points (12 of 19 Field Goals, 2-of-3 Free Throws), five Rebounds, four Assists and two Steals for their team's 121-99 triumph win. Due to Butler's dominant performance in the paint, Miami managed to take control of this game throughout most of the first half. They shot 52% from the field and 12/19 (63.2%) 3-pointers during this opening period. Butler was on fire early during Game 2 of the 2020 NBA playoffs, scoring 23 points on 10-of-12 shooting from the field for a 22-point first quarter performance. As part of his playoff career-best performance against Atlanta Hawks in Game 2, Wade scored 45 points - including an incredible 7-0 run in the last minute that propelled them past them by one score 115-105 - with 12 assists as part of becoming only third player ever to record at least 45 points, five rebounds and zero turnovers in an NBA postseason game in franchise history. The Heat have won seven of their last 10 games and are within striking distance of the Brooklyn Nets for sixth and final Eastern Conference playoff spot, currently averaging more points per 100 possessions than any other team in the league. With just a handful of remaining matches left on their schedule, they hope to keep up their momentum. 4. Butler’s Steal Miami Heat were able to impress during their 121-99 win against Milwaukee Bucks at FTX Arena, setting a franchise record with points scored during a playoff game with their 22 point first quarter setting the tone for their success throughout. Jimmy Butler made an outstanding showing, scoring 30 points over 43 minutes of action - including 12 in the opening quarter to help give Miami a 29-21 edge. Miami then embarked on a 22-2 run that propelled them to take an 84-62-win lead in the third quarter. Butler contributed 17 of his points during this run - both via steals that led directly to layups as well as on two fastbreaks where he dunked. Butler's steal set the stage for an impressive victory and showcased his defensive acumen. He knew Karl-Anthony Towns would make a quick pass to Ricky Rubio who could quickly get under the basket to score. Butler recognized this threat and took decisive action by seizing control with this steal. Butler took advantage of this situation by quickly jumping the passing lane. He managed to split the distance between Towns and Rubio, and when Towns turned around to try and pass directly to him, Butler was there to step aside quickly and block any attempts by Towns. Butler has made numerous impressive plays throughout his career, such as this one, that demonstrate how always having his eye on the player with the ball makes him such an invaluable asset to Miami Heat and why they have had such an outstanding start in this year's NBA playoffs. 5. Butler’s Three-Pointer Miami's 105-94 win against the Milwaukee Bucks was fueled by Jimmy Butler's amazing 22-point 1st quarter performance. Miami began their run by going on an 13-0 run that propelled them into an early double-digit lead; Bam Adebayo, Caleb Martin, and Kevin Love all contributed key three pointers during that opening frame to make up the rest of it. Tense games frequently come down to one basket in the NBA. Such moments are what have made basketball such an enthralling sport over time and will continue to do so into the future. At 17 seconds remaining in Game 7 with Miami trailing by one, Butler attempted a three-point shot that hit off of the rim and went out of bounds, prompting many fans to question why such a moment occurred. Butler has struggled all season to take more 3-point attempts when open, only taking about 10% of his shots from behind the three-point line. Yet in Game 4, Butler had an opportunity to end it all by hitting an enormous 3-pointer that would have sent Boston Celtics home forever. Butler had Al Horford directly in front of him and it would have been an ideal opportunity for him to shoot from behind the three-point line for an instant go-ahead three. If so, Butler could have easily dribbled off one side of the lane before pulling up from behind it for an unassisted trey at any point during this possession. But in that situation, Butler seemed intent on going for an easier 2-point basket instead. That decision should have been avoided and should have been treated as such.