Bulls Game No. 35: Jimmy Butler dominates on both ends in win over Houston
169. 114. 24. Final. 105
If you want to conduct a proper conversation revolving around the NBA MVP Award this season, that said conversation should include the front-runner for the NBA MIP Award as well.
The NBA is approaching the official “half-way point” of the 2014-2015 season and one thing’s clear in the city of Chicago: Jimmy Butler has taken “The Leap”.
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What is “The Leap”?
In recent times in the NBA, young potential stars have gone from role players in a rotation to becoming one of — if not — the team’s best option on the offensive end.
Chicago Bulls fans would all agree that Butler has made that “leap” towards stardom.
In 41 minutes of action on Monday night against the Houston Rockets, Jimmy Butler scored 22 points on 7-of-17 shooting, pulled down five rebounds and racked up three steals in the 11-point Bulls win.
What was even more impressive about Butler’s big shot-making ability down the stretch of a hotly-contested game? His defense against the league’s leading scorer.
James Harden, the superstar two-guard for Houston, scored 17 points in the first half, which ended in a 62-62 tie between the two teams.
What did Butler do to Harden in the second half? Oh, he only held the MVP candidate to three points (all at the free throw line) on 0-for-9 shooting.
"“I think he came in and he’s established who he is as a defensive player, and now he’s being recognized probably a little bit more for his offense, but the defense has never gone away. He’s always viewed himself as that: Hard playing, tough, going to make you work.”-Tom Thibodeau on Jimmy Butler, CSNChicago.com"
While shutting down arguably the game’s best scorer, Butler shot 5-of-12 for 16 of his 22 points in the second half, including the biggest shot of the game with 90 seconds left and the Bulls trailing, 103-102.
Butler’s big trey gave the Bulls a 105-103 lead, a lead they would never reliquish. The Bulls scored nine of the final 11 points of the game to seal up their sixth straight win against the Western Conference, dating back to December 12th.
Thoughts + what’s next for the Bulls
The Butler did it … once again.
Jimmy Butler is becoming a two-way star with each game played. The improvement Butler has made from a rough 2013-2014 season to now is one of the pleasant sights throughout the entire NBA.
On top of Butler’s stellar defense on Harden, the Bulls played like the complete team most expected them to be heading into the regular season.
Pau Gasol was #2008Pau on Monday, scoring 27 points on 10-of-16 shooting, while grabbing 14 rebounds in the 25th Bulls win this season.
Joakim Noah looked like the versatile star we have been accustomed to seeing. Noah scored eight points, pulled down 10 rebounds and tied his season-high in blocks with six.
Despite another poor shooting night for Derrick Rose, the 2011 MVP still scored 19 points and dished out nine assists.
Add in 17 points and eight rebounds from Nikola Mirotic and the Bulls have now won 14 of their last 18 games, dating back to the beginning of December.
The Bulls (25-10) finish off their five-game homestand with a Wednesday night meeting with the Utah Jazz. In the first meeting, the Bulls got 25 points from Jimmy Butler in a 97-95 Bulls victory on November 24th.
Tip-off from the United Center is scheduled for 7:00 PM CT.
Stat of the Night
James Harden averages 9 FTA per game. Dwight Howard averages 8 FTA per game. The Rockets took 5 free throws as a team tonight.
— Jeff Mangurten (@JeffGurt) January 6, 2015
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Next: Bulls Game No. 34: Pau Gasol's 29 points carry Bulls to OT win vs. Boston