Is Jimmy Butler Best Remaining Player In Playoffs Behind Nikola Jokic?

Miami Heat's Jimmy Butler is in contention with Boston Celtics' Jayson Tatum and Los Angeles Lakers LeBron James and Anthony Davis for No. 2 player left behind Nikola Jokic

So far, Nikola Jokic is running away in the race for the title of best player in the NBA playoffs this season. 

It's hard to argue against his numbers and team success. He is averaging 31.0 points, 13.5 rebounds and 10.1 while leading the Nuggets to a 1-0 lead against the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference finals. 

"This is who he is every single night," ESPN's J.J. Redick said on a recent appearance on Get Up. "It's not about a spreadsheet. It's not about advanced analytics. He imposes his will on the basketball game as well as anyone in the league ... He's the best player in the NBA right now." 

.@jj_redick says Nikola Jokić is the BEST player in the NBA right now:

"He imposes his will on the basketball game as well as anyone in the league." pic.twitter.com/2L6A9Ase6Z

— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) May 17, 2023

Deciding the No. 2 player is a bit tougher. It's a competition between Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler, Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics), Anthony Davis (Lakers) and LeBron James (Lakers). 

Here's the tale of the tape: 

Butler - 31.1 points, 6.6 rebounds and 5.4 assists

He tailed off in the semifinals against the New York Knicks. Then again, there was just no way he'd keep up the pace he had in the first round versus the Milwaukee Bucks. Butler can regain some ground once the Eastern Conference finals begin tonight against the Celtics. 

Tatum - 28.2 points, 10.6 rebounds and 5.2

His 51-point effort in Game 7 against the Philadelphia 76ers last round alone keeps him in the discussion. Tatum also did it with a big fourth quarter in Game 6, helping Boston rally from a 3-2 deficit. Tatum could state his case with another strong showing against the defensive-minded Heat. 

Davis - 22.6 points, 13.8 rebounds and 3.2 blocks

What keeps Davis on the list is not his numbers but the ability to outshine James at times. He's been more than just a complementary player, oftentimes dominating games on both ends. Problem is, he scored 40 Tuesday night and still looked pedestrian compared to Jokic. 

James - 23.6 points, 10.2 rebounds and 5.6 assists

It's hard to believe we're stalking about him in Year No. 20 but here were are. James is still intimidating as ever. The only difference, it seems, he is picking and choosing his spots because of Davis. He waited until it was too late in Game 1 against the Nuggets but James needs to start strong in order to put the pressure on. 

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Shandel Richardson covers the Miami Heat for Inside The Heat.

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