His nickname isn't Jimmy Buckets for nothing.

There's been a lot of ranking lists about "best backcourts & duos" in the past few days with Derrick Rose & Jimmy Butler ranked near the top. The lists were highly criticized by many who thought The Return needs to prove himself again and The Butler was being overrated.

Last night's preseason game against the Hawks might help change a few minds and justify the high rankings. The Butler did his best impersonation of the greatest guard/Bull/NBA player ever when he dropped 20 of his game-high 29 points in the Rose-less 4th quarter and a game-winning 3 at the buzzer. Butler made a living at the charity stripe (12-16) and also had 5 boards, 2 blocks and 2 steals to go with his late heroics which erased a 21-point deficit with 11 minutes to play.

Now lets check out the GOAT of Buckets who served the Hawks more game-winner than they care to be reminded of.

AIR JORDAN VS THE HAWKS

1998 - Michael Jordan scores 37 &  the game-winner (2 game-winners) vs the Hawks

1995 - Michael Jordan scores 32 & the game-winner vs the Hawks

1988 - Michael Jordan with 48/10/9 leads the Bulls to a comeback victory vs the Hawks

1987 - Michael Jordan scores 61 against Nique and the Atlanta Hawks. This was his 3rd consecutive 50+ game.

 

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