Jimmy Butler Is an NBA Superstar: Unchecked

Jimmy Butler's career defining NBA Finals performance in the Miami Heat's Game 3 win over the Los Angeles Lakers proves he's a superstar.

When Jimmy Butler showed up to the bubble he said it was a business trip, and he’s been all business ever since. From coffee to the court. And following a career-defining performance in game 3 of the NBA Finals, Jimmy Buckets proved to the world that he is a true superstar.

“How else do you say it but Jimmy F-in’ Butler?” - Erik Spoelstra

— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) October 5, 2020

As in a game featuring LeBron James and Anthony Davis, Butler was clearly the best player on the floor. In many ways Butler was reminiscent of James in the way he played, dissecting the Lakers' defense as a scorer and a distributor while outplaying the King head to head to the point where LeBron could head to the locker room early. 

Jimmy Butler is the third player to have a 40-point triple double in NBA Finals history. The others: Jerry West (42) and LeBron James (40).

— Malika Andrews (@malika_andrews) October 5, 2020

All in all, Jimmy put up a 40 point triple-double becoming the only player to ever out point, rebound, and assist James in an NBA Finals game.

Jimmy Butler is the first player to outscore, outrebound and out-assist LeBron James in a Finals game, including LeBron's teammates. Via Elias.

— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) October 5, 2020

The best part about it? He could care less about those stats. As I’ve said before, Jimmy doesn’t give a damn about numbers, which is why I've previously put him on my All-NBA first team if the goal is simply winning, and why his head coach Erik Spoelstra said he’s in the top percentile of competitors.

Jimmy Butler on his mindset after Game 3:

"Win. I don't care about a triple-double. I don't care about none of that, I really don't. I want to win."

(via @NBA)pic.twitter.com/gkt7vK0Oe3

— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) October 5, 2020

But it’s about time people recognize his ability to hoop is right up there with his desire to compete. As shown by his carrying of an undermanned Heat squad, and adapting his game to give the team what it needs. Scoring, rebounding, distributing, defending, competing...you get it all from the bubble’s resident barista.

"He put his imprint on every important part of the game." - Coach Spoelstra on Jimmy Butler's Game 3

Game 4: Tuesday - 9pm/et, ABC pic.twitter.com/qUs9AWrG6M

— NBA (@NBA) October 5, 2020

This is why even if the Lakers aren’t in trouble in the series, any team that is going against Jimmy Butler is going to have trouble dealing with him.

Jimmy Butler glares at LeBron going into that timeout, barking what looked like "He in trouble" as he walked towards the Heat bench. Butler has willed Miami back into this series.

— Chris Mannix (@SIChrisMannix) October 5, 2020

You know, like is the case when you are facing an NBA superstar.