[外電] Butler embraces role on 2nd unit
Butler understands, embraces role on second unitc
http://tinyurl.com/bba34lh
Slowly but surely, Tom Thibodeau is learning to rely on second year reserve
Jimmy Butler.
The defensive stopper filled his role to a T on Thursday night, entering the
game and shutting down Oklahoma City's second unit and playing his usual superb
help defense.
Martin had six points in less than three minutes before Butler even stepped on
the court. But Butler, staying within the pace of the game and manning up on
Martin, held the Thunder's new sixth man to two points and two turnovers the
final nine minutes of the half. Butler was plus-five in the second half,
pulling the Bulls within one at halftime.
"I feel like whenever I get out there I try to the best of my ability to not
let my guy score, while at the same time playing good help defense. I feel like
that's my role on the team so I've got to stick to that."
It's true Butler has seen the court this season to lock down opponents, but his
rising confidence can be seen on the other end of the court as well.
Butler won't be challenging Kevin Durant, who scored 24 point last night, to a
scoring title any time soon, but he said his calm and free demeanor on the
court, letting the game come to him, has helped his offense.
"Just find the holes and space out and shoot the open [jumper]," he said.
"Crash the boards, cut, get to the line. Just my style of game, so I've got to
keep doing that."
Butler scored five points on 2-of-5 shooting and added a subtle-yet-career-best
three assists. He grabbed two offensive rebounds, made both his free throws and
turned the ball over once on a questionable offensive goaltending violation.
Butler finished Thursday night with a +/- of negative one, but he has proved
early on his worth as a complement to the offensive-minded Richard Hamilton and
Marco Belinelli, who had a negative 18 plus-minus in six minutes. If he can
produce offensively, even in limited quantities like he did last night, his
minutes per game could see an increase as well.
"My confidence is up there. I'm extremely comfortable out there, I'm not
worried about anything, I'm not thinking too much. I'm just playing basketball.
It's fun and I feel like I'm coming around little-by-little."
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