Jimmy Butler 'stamped his authority' on Philadelphia 76ers Game 6 win, says Brett Brown
Friday 10 May 2019 12:25, UK
Jimmy Butler "stamped his authority" on the Philadelphia 76ers' Game 6 win over the Toronto Raptors, said head coach Brett Brown.
Butler scored a game-high 25 points on 9-of-18 shooting and added eight assists and six rebounds to help the Sixers to a series-levelling 112-101 win.
Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semi-finals series will take place in Toronto late on Sunday night (midnight).
Butler's stand-out performance contained a spectacular three-point play late in the first half after he rebounded his own missed three-pointer.
Earlier in the second quarter, Butler had showcased his playmaking skills, driving into the paint before flipping a deft alley-oop pass to team-mate Ben Simmons who rammed home a two-handed dunk to complete the play.
"It's the energy he brings offensively and defensively," said Simmons of Butler after the game. "When you have a guy like that, he sets the tone and everyone is able to feed off that.
"He really gets us going in the game, especially guys like James Ennis and Mike Scott who play physical and have that passion for the game, [Jimmy's play] allows everybody to have that same mentality and mindset."
Sixers coach Brown said: "The way [Butler] started and even the way he ended the first half, he stamped his authority, his skill package, his will - pick whatever word you want - he was all over that game."
Asked about his season-saving performance, Butler said: "I came out aggressive, as they tell me to be all the time.
"I play to win. I think right now this is what I have to do in order to give us a great chance of winning. From game to game, from series to series, that role could change.
"If we win, good. If we don't, I've got a problem."
Game 7 takes place in Toronto late on Sunday evening (midnight).
