The Chicago Bulls were down by as many as 24 points to the hapless Philadelphia 76ers. Then Jimmy Butler woke up and suddenly remembered he was arguably the best shooting guard in the game – not to mention miles better than any player on the 76ers – and went to work. Butler went supernova – erupting for 53 points on 15-of-30 shooting en route to a 115-111 overtime victory. For good measure, he added 10 rebounds and six assists.
Butler had every weapon in his arsenal operating at full power. He hit turnarounds in the post, deep threes, and thrilling drives to the basket. His ascendance this season to the NBA’s elite is nothing short of astounding. Many thought his breakout season last year would be his plateau, but with every performance – whether it’s 40 points in a half, or 53 points overall – he’s showing that he’s had another level all along, one that firmly places him in the company of the NBA’s other superstars.
Butler joins Stephen Curry and and James Harden as the third player to break the 50-point mark this season.
