ESPN Analyst Monica McNutt Is Taking Miami Heat’s Jimmy Butler In The Clutch Over Denver Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic

An ESPN analyst says Jimmy Butler is a better clutch performer than two-time MVP Nikola Jokic

A few weeks ago, Miami Heat superstar Jimmy Butler was hailed as the undisputed best player in the playoffs. 

Since, Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic, who is averaging a triple double this postseason, has taken that title. Still, some have Butler as the league’s most clutch playoff performer. On a Thursday morning segment of Get Up, analyst Monica McNutt said she is taking Butler over Jokic in the game’s most crucial moments.

“When I’m thinking about clutch time, I’m going with Jimmy Butler,” McNutt said. “I put Jimmy Butler first. It’s crazy right, but he’s just proven in the moments that matter most.”

.@McNuttMonica says she's taking Jimmy Butler over Nikola Jokić in clutch time 👀 pic.twitter.com/dZBofPqgyn

— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) May 18, 2023

Jokic’s facilitating and high scoring for his position is something fans and analysts continue to marvel at. However, he is on the No. 1 seed and has a team behind him that justifies high expectations. His point guard, Jamal Murray, ranks fourth among active postseason players with 26.3 points a game. 

McNutt commends Butler for elevating his team in the playoffs. 

“They are not supposed to be here in theory,” McNutt said. “I have long let go of phrases like ‘8th seed,’ ‘play-in squad,’ ‘injured,’ ‘undrafted players.’ We have to have a conversation about the collective experience of this Miami Heat squad. Not just coach Spo, but these were guys fighting for a spot in the Finals last year. Max Strus and Gabe Vincent have more quality experience than some guys on other NBA rosters.”

Jayden Armant is a contributor to Inside the Heat. He is a student at Howard University. He can be reached at jayden.armant@bison.howard.edu or follow him on Twitter @jaydenarmant.