In the Eastern Conference Finals between the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers, Kendrick Perkins has been a key player in shutting down Jimmy Butler. However, with 6 seconds left in Game 2 of their series, he did not have time to defend James Harden as his pass went through the legs of Perkins and into the net for an uncontested layup that gave Houston its 3-0 lead.
The “nba finals mvp list” is a list that ranks the players who have won each year’s NBA Finals MVP. It was released on May 29, 2019 and as of now, it has only one player from the Bucks in Jimmy Butler.
On May 29, 2022, Jimmy Butler of the Miami Heat poses before Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Boston Celtics. | Getty Images/Andy Lyons
The Miami Heat just lacked the necessary firepower. Despite coming within one victory of reaching the NBA Finals, the Miami Heat were unable to match the Boston Celtics’ offensive weaponry and outstanding defensive system, falling 4-3 in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Jimmy Butler’s lack of effort has nothing to do with the sad result. The six-time All-Star had a fantastic series, especially in Games 6 and 7, and former Celtics player Kendrick Perkins feels he deserved more credit.
Butler, according to Perkins, deserves to be considered for Conference Finals MVP.
Jimmy Butler, according to Kendrick Perkins, deserves to be considered for Conference Finals MVP.
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This season, the NBA honored Conference Finals MVPs for the first time, and Celtics standout Jayson Tatum took home the award in the Eastern Conference (fitting considering the East trophy is named after Larry Bird).
Kendrick Perkins, a former Celtics big man who won a championship with the club in 2008, says Jimmy Butler deserves to be considered.
On the May 30 broadcast of First Take, Perkins remarked, “I do; I do (think he deserves consideration).” “To be honest with you, one may argue that he was the greatest player in this series….” Walking into the Garden in Game 6 is deserving of a mention in and of itself. “That was a masterpiece of a performance.”
Butler scored 47 points, grabbed nine rebounds, and dished out eight assists on the road in Game 6 to force a seventh game. In Game 7, he scored 35 points and grabbed nine rebounds, but the Heat lost 100-96. His total 82 points were the second-most in a Game 6 and 7 in history.
“When it comes down to the playoffs, Jimmy Butler has shown time and time again that he belongs in the discussion with the greatest,” Perkins said. “He deserves to be considered for [Conference] Finals MVP.”
Is Jimmy Butler deserving of a spot on the team?
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So, does Kendrick Perkins have it right? Is Jimmy Butler deserving of MVP honors in the Conference Finals?
Yes, he deserved to be considered. But it was Jayson Tatum who came out on top.
Butler’s contribution is not to be forgotten. He scored 41 points in Game 1, 47 in Game 6, and 35 in Game 7, all while fighting injury. The Heat would be preparing for the NBA Finals right now if the 32-year-old had hit his three-pointer towards the conclusion of regulation.
Tatum, on the other hand, was the superior player throughout the series, and his side triumphed. As a result, the prize went to the proper individual.
Against the Heat, Tatum averaged 25.0 points and 8.3 rebounds. He was also a good passer at times, handing down nine assists in Game 5. His performance in the conference finals was merely a continuation of his incredible postseason run thus far. This playoffs, Tatum is averaging 27.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 5.9 assists.
Was Jimmy Butler a standout? Yes. If the Heat had defeated the Celtics in the Conference Finals, would he have earned MVP? Absolutely. However, Jayson Tatum’s side was victorious (and will continue its playoff run against the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals). Throughout the series, he also performed at a high level.
The proper player received the trophy.
Basketball Reference provided the statistics.
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