16 FTA vs. Dallas Mavericks, January 17
Butler flirted with his first triple-double of the season, but came up just one rebound short. Still, he scored 24 points on 12 field goal attempts thanks to 14-for-16 shooting at the line.
While the outcome a loss, the overall performance was much better than the game in which they were demolished in Dallas earlier this year. In that game, on December 3, Butler still managed to get to the line 12 times, but it wasn’t enough as the Bulls were blown out, 107-82. The win bumped the Mavs to 4-15 on the season. It’s been a roller coaster season in Chicago, but this was a low point.
It seems like the Mavs have their number as they couldn’t do enough to get the win again in January. However, Butler still managed to get to the line, a lot. This is the first of three games in January when Butler has really started to take over:
Foul One: Butler once again uses his strength to go right down the lane and absorb the contact from Dwight Powell, no small man. Also, no flop.
Foul Two: Salah Mejri can’t deal with Butler. Very much a foul, very much no flop.
Foul Three: Butler get tied up with Wesley Matthews, goes up and kicks out his legs to embellish. Again, not a flop, but we’ll count it just because the flop category is starting to feel lonely.
Foul Four: Butler rolls off a Robin Lopez screen, Matthews wants the block but just commits the foul. Not great by him, no flop.
Foul Five: Butler again rolls off a Lopez screen, this time he goes right instead of left into the lane. He absolutely explodes toward the hoop and into the animated tree trunk that is Mejri. No flop.
Foul Six: Grade A flop by Butler. Matthews is heated and earns a tech. This is some Paul, Harden or LeBron level theatre from Butler.
Foul Seven: I didn’t see a foul anywhere, but I could be wrong. The leg kick triggered a phantom foul call, but no flop by Butler.
Foul Eight: Who doesn’t love Dirk Nowitzki? Also, who would expect Nowitzki to contain Butler without fouling him? No flop. Very clear, intentional foul.
Foul Nine: Devin Harris spoils the party by preventing Butler from hammering home a slam dunk. Check out how Butler was essentially defenseless in the air and how he landed. The refs reviewed to make sure it wasn’t flagrant. Clearly, not a flop.
It was a thrilling game. Ultimately, Dallas won this contest 99-98 thanks to a particularly horrendous Hoiberg decision. No screener, just Bulls standings around, expecting Butler to work more free throw magic, I guess.
The total for this game is 7-2. The running total is 22-3. Not a flopper is running away with this one.