Jimmy Butler Channels 'Mad Jimmy' to Lead Heat to Stunning Comeback in Game 2 vs. Celtics

In an epic showdown, Heat star Jimmy Butler gave Celtics forward Grant Williams a taste of his own medicine during a pivotal moment in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals. Williams tried to fire up Butler by talking trash after sinking a three-pointer, but he didn't reckon with Butler's competitive spirit. "I like that," Butler said. "It makes me key in a lot more. It pushes that will that I have to win a lot more. It makes me smile."

From there, Butler scored nine of his 27 points and the Heat closed out the game on a 24-9 run, sealing a stunning 2-0 series lead. His teammates were not surprised by his performance, with Caleb Martin noting that with Butler motivated, "we'll take mad Jimmy any time." Williams himself admitted that "He got the best of me tonight" and resolved to battle Butler again come Game 3. Meanwhile, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra praised the drive that has helped his team throughout the playoffs, saying that the Heat has "developed some grit" while getting accustomed to "every game [ending] on the last-second shot."