Anytime a player beats Michael Jordan’s scoring record on any level, consider it to be a special game. Jimmy Butler topped Jordan’s record for most points in the half as he scored 40 points in the second half, 21 points in the 3rd quarter alone.
Jimmy Butler missed most of the second quarter after DeMarre Carroll busted Butler’s lip wide open which required him to get stitched up. Imagine an angry Butler coming out of halftime with his body on fire, almost like a super villain you’d see in comic books. Well, his body wasn’t technically on fire, but he couldn’t miss shot even if he was blindfolded. His heroic effort helped notch a win over the Toronto Raptors 115-113.
“Do not compare me to him (Michael Jordan). I don’t want to be compared to him. I just want to be me. I’m just happy we won, to tell the truth. I don’t want to be compared to (Jordan) because you see what he’s done for this game. I’m trying, but nowhere near the same player. Like I said, I’m just happy we got the win, points or no points we’re leaving here with a W.” – Jimmy Butler
“(Jimmy) played an incredible second half for our team, and also chasing around DeRozan, playing defensively at a high level, and getting Kyle too, at times. So, he did it on both ends. To me that’s even more impressive, that you’re not guarding a non-threat offensively.” – Pau Gasol
Pau Gasol hit the nail on the head. While other players might have great scoring performances, Butler was busy guarding Kyle Lowry and DeMar Derozan each trip down the court, both players are expected to make it to the Allstar team based off their offensive talents. Breaking Jordan’s scoring record is one thing, but to do so while guarding the opponent’s best player is something special.
