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The Philadelphia 76ers evened things up in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, beating the Toronto Raptors 94-89 behind a stellar performance from their veteran star Jimmy Butler.
After scoring just 10 points in Game 1, Butler erupted for 30 in Game 2. He shot 9-of-22 from the field, including 4-of-10 from behind the arc. After the game, Sixers head coach Brett Brown praised the efforts of the former All-Star.
Sixers coach Brett Brown on Jimmy Butler (30 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists) in Game 2 win over Raptors: "That was James Butler. That was the adult in the gym. A stud." pic.twitter.com/uU0ViI4rvT
— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) April 30, 2019
In a game where Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons and Tobias Harris combined for 27 points, Butler stepped up big-time and went toe-to-toe with Raptors star Kawhi Leonard on the offensive end.
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With all the controversies Butler faced over the past couple of years — from the trades that he was a part of to the criticisms about his locker room behavior and leadership — this was the perfect game for him to remind everyone that he's still one of the best players in the league and that he can carry a team when he's focused.
That was the Jimmy Butler that the Sixers hoped for when they acquired him from the Minnesota Timberwolves, and now they're starting to realize that they made the right choice.
With Embiid dealing with stomach flu before the game and Simmons being guarded by Leonard, it was up to Butler to help the team steal a game from the Raptors. The Sixers are still facing a ton of issues heading into Game 3, but at least they will be back in Philadelphia with the series tied at one game apiece.
Game 3 of the series will be on Thursday, May 2.
