Unstoppable Jimmy Butler vs. Irresistable Kawhi Leonard
The 6-foot-7 wing does it all for the Bulls. In December he is playing 39.3 minutes per game, scoring 27.5 points, grabbing 7.5 rebounds and dishing out almost five assists. Oh, and he has is averaging over a block a game and 1.5 steals.
Go get it, Jimmy. #BullsNation pic.twitter.com/YxFcJBx0EW
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) December 7, 2016
Butler makes this Bulls team go, and with the bench playing so poorly he will have to keep it up in order for Chicago to remain competitive. His counterpoint in San Antonio, Kawhi Leonard, is putting up similar eye-popping numbers.
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Leonard, like Butler, was a relatively unheralded player coming out of college. He came into the league as a long, skilled and willing defender, with the potential to become much more.
The Spurs have continued their dominance in the post-Tim Duncan era this season because of Gregg Popovich, LaMarcus Aldridge, Parker and others. But Leonard’s ascension is the reason why they are poised to challenge the team in the Bay Area for the best record in the league.
Tonight’s matchup between Butler and Leonard will be amazing to watch. Both play hard-nosed defense, setting the tone for their teams. Both small forwards can create their own shots at will. The only real difference might be Leonard’s stoicism contrasted by Butler’s fun-loving bravado.
But, the true difference separating the two max contract wings is that Chicago’s favorite Texan is in desperate need of backup.