May 8, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) is defended by Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) during the first half in game three of the second round of the NBA Playoffs. at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Jimmy Butler’s defense on LeBron James
Even Bulls fans would admit that the best player on the planet is No. 23 on the other side of this series. LeBron James’ numbers will look great in any box score, but when you look at his dreadful shooting percentages — 39.5 percent shooting overall, 8.3 percent from deep — you can focus on Jimmy Butler‘s suffocating defense.
Butler was a huge reason the Bulls were able to pull out a Game 3 victory with his offense in the second half, but his ability to force LeBron into one of his worst shooting performances all season (8-of-25 from the floor, 1-of-7 from deep) made the difference.
Next: Win the board battle, win the game