Dunking With Wolves
Fansided

Jimmy Butler’s best games under Tom Thibodeau

By Cooper Langby

Apr 2, 2017; New Orleans, LA, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) reacts against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 2, 2017; New Orleans, LA, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) reacts against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 21, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) gets past Toronto Raptors forward PJ Tucker (2) at the Air Canada Centre. Toronto defeated Chicago 122-120 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 21, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) gets past Toronto Raptors forward PJ Tucker (2) at the Air Canada Centre. Toronto defeated Chicago 122-120 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /

#3 – 35 points, 7 rebounds, 3 steals in 45 minutes

These stats, coming in a loss to the Lakers in 2015, was an offensive showcase for Jimmy Butler, who managed three offensive rebounds and shot 52.9 percent from the field on his way to 35 points. Once again, free throws were not an issue for Butler in this game as he went 16-for-18 from the line.

Butler showed his offensive ability in this game, shooting above 50 percent and still managing 35 points. Three offensive rebounds and three steals on top of the scoring made this performance a dominant one, and worthy of third on our list.

If Butler wants to put up 30-point performances in Minnesota and shoot above 50 percent, I say that the Timberwolves should just give him the ball. Butler is adept at driving in the lane or pulling up for a shot he knows he can hit from mid-range. His big frame helps him muscle past defenders, but his skilled footwork makes him a high level defender.

Butler has proven himself more than capable to lead a team and provide a huge offensive spark when needed.

This game came in the year of Butler’s first All-Star Game, winning the NBA’s Most Improved Player award in Thibodeau’s last year in Chicago.

Oh, did I mention he was still on his rookie contract?