Jimmy Butler's strong game not enough as Celtics beat Bulls
Chicago Bulls guard/forward Jimmy Butler scored 23 points during a season-ending 105-83 blowout loss to the Boston Celtics on Friday, adding seven rebounds, three steals and three turnovers.
Butler and the Bulls could not find their offense in this series after Rajon Rondo went out and they lost four straight after going up 2-0 on Boston. Butler also came out of the series pretty banged up, which could have been part of his poor shooting in this series. His name might get thrown around in trade rumors this summer, but the Bulls would need to be blown away to trade their superstar swingman if they opt for a rebuild.
Butler finished the postseason averaging 22.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.7 steals over 39.8 minutes per game. In his six postseason appearances this year, Butler owned only a .454 effective field goal percentage, but his 17.3 nERD from the regular season ranked fifth among all players.
- Spurs' Keldon Johnson (knee) questionable on Friday March 28th, 2024
- Anthony Edwards (back) questionable for Minnesota on Friday March 28th, 2024
- Utah's Jordan Clarkson (back) out again for Friday March 28th, 2024
- Timberwolves' Rudy Gobert (rib) questionable on Friday March 28th, 2024
- Sam Hauser coming off the bench for Boston on Thursday March 28th, 2024
- Celtics' Jrue Holiday (shoulder) starting on Thursday, Sam Hauser coming off the bench March 28th, 2024
- Caleb Martin (ankle) probable Friday for Miami March 28th, 2024
- Heat's Jaime Jaquez (ankle) probable Friday March 28th, 2024
- Kevin Love (heel/personal) probable for Heat on Friday March 28th, 2024
- Duncan Robinson (back) ruled out again Friday for Miami March 28th, 2024
- Jimmy Butler (illness) expected back Friday for Heat March 28th, 2024
- Jaime Jaquez Jr. (ankle) starting for Heat on Tuesday in place of inactive Jimmy Butler (illness) March 26th, 2024