Jaime Jaquez Jr. On 'Playoff Jimmy' Narrative: "He Brings It Up Another Notch"
Miami Heat superstar Jimmy Butler is prepared to step up at a moment's notice once the NBA playoffs come around.
This ability has become known as 'Playoff Jimmy'.
Even his first-year teammate, Jaime Jaquez Jr., understands Butler's ability to "bring it up another notch" in the postseason. He averaged 26.9 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists on 46.8 percent shooting during the Heat's historic Finals run in 2023.
"I feel like he's been playing great this year," Jaquez told Inside the Heat's Anthony Pasciolla. "He's had some injury stints and some issues off the court as well, but overall, I think he's been fantastic for us. Ya know, all throughout the entire season, when the playoffs come around, he brings it up another notch, so it's been incredible to see, and just happy to call him my teammate."
The Heat appear headed on a similar path to the postseason as the year prior. Through 59 games, they are the No. 7 seed in the Eastern Conference with a record of 33-26.
Jaquez and Butler are bonding in their first year together, on and off the floor. The tandem's chemistry has been shown through their comparable offensive play styles and strong basketball IQ.
Butler also recognizes the narrative, as he told Bleacher Report earlier this week.
"You mean how can I turn into the greatest basketball player in the world all of a sudden?" Butler spoke of 'Playoff Jimmy'. "I don't know, man. I'm just different."
Anthony Pasciolla works as a contributing writer to Inside the Heat.
He can be reached at ampasciolla@gmail.com or follow him on Instagram @anthony.pasciolla.
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