NBA Fans React To Former Miami Heat Star Jimmy Butler's Dominant Play-In Performance

Jimmy Butler showcased his Miami Heat "Playoff Jimmy" form in the Warriors' victory over the Grizzlies.

Apr 15, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler III (10) looks for a foul call after a play against the Memphis Grizzlies in the third quarter at the Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images | Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

It's not quite the NBA postseason yet.

But Playoff Jimmy might be arriving early. Jimmy Butler dominated in the Golden State Warriors' play-in victory over Memphis, mirroring some of the dominant playoff performances he had with the Miami Heat. Butler had 38 points, seven rebounds, six assists and three steals.

Jimmy Butler when he hears playoffs pic.twitter.com/QI3PdIm2DH

— Jimmy Butler Muse (@ButlerlllMuse) April 16, 2025

Even Miami Heat fans had to marvel at Butler's performance, as his dominance in crucial moments likely felt all too familiar to them.

"AS A MIAMI HEAT FAN, I WATCHED JIMMY BUTLER CARRY G LEAGUERS & UNDRAFTED PROSPECTS TO THE NBA FINALS DAM NEAR EVERY YEAR," one fan tweeted. "PLAYOFF JIMMY IS A REAL THING & HE WILL BE A REAL PROBLEM THIS PLAYOFFS WITH STEPH CURRY."

AS A MIAMI HEAT FAN I WATCHED JIMMY BUTLER CARRY G LEAGUERS & UNDRAFTED PROSPECTS TO THE NBA FINALS DAM NEAR EVERY YEAR💯PLAYOFF JIMMY IS A REAL THING & HE WILL BE A REAL PROBLEM THIS PLAYOFFS WITH STEPH CURRY😳🔥🔥

— waff6ix (@waff6ix) April 16, 2025

Some fans tried to minimize the victory because of how often Butler and Steph Curry got to the line, accusing the referees of favoring Golden State.

18 free throws??? Jimmy has the SGA whistle

— The Lakers Daddy (@NugsGetBuckets) April 16, 2025

But for the spectators, more were in awe of Butler and Curry combining for 75 points on 50 percent shooting.

"I think any team has a chance when I'm on it, but I know every team has a chance when Steph's on the team," Butler said. "I get to play Robin, that’s my Batman. I don't know who else is all the villains over there in the Western Conference. But we got a lot of games to win.”

Hopefully, Butler's former Heat can accomplish the same feat. They play the Chicago Bulls Wednesday night, a team they've bested in the play-in tournament the last two seasons.

Jayden Armant is a graduate of the Howard University School of Communications and a contributor to Miami Heat on SI. He can be reached at jaydenshome14@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter @jaydenarmant.

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