The Los Angeles Lakers came into Game 5 ready to win their franchise's 17th NBA championship, and for LeBron James, his fourth NBA title.
Jimmy Butler had other plans.
With the Miami Heat's season on the line, Butler stepped up and went shot for shot with James late in a fourth quarter that saw numerous lead changes and big-time plays made by both sides.
Butler's clutch free throws late and a key turnover by Markieff Morris eventually clinched a Game 5 win for the Heat, 111-108.
Throughout the game and after the buzzer sounded, reactions poured in from throughout the NBA universe.
With the game tied at 101-101, Butler and James began trading buckets, with a possible title hanging in the balance for the Lakers.
This Bron vs Jimmy match up has been special to watch
— Tristan Thompson (@RealTristan13) October 10, 2020
This Bron & Jimmy Battle🔥🔥
— Trae Young (@TheTraeYoung) October 10, 2020
jimmy going
— Jordan Clarkson (@JordanClarksons) October 10, 2020
Everybody get off the floor and just let Jimmy and Bron go 1s at this point
— Tyus Jones (@1Tyus) October 10, 2020
Terrence Ross was all of us during the final moments.
This game is giving me terrible anxiety
— Terrence Ross (@TerrenceRoss) October 10, 2020
With the Lakers down one, James had the ball in his hands and an opportunity to try for a series-winning shot, but the Heat's defense forced the ball out of his hands to a wide-open Danny Green. Green's 3 was short and Morris turned the ball over to ensure we get a Game 6 on Sunday. Afterward, players like CJ McCollum shared their thoughts on the pivotal moment.
When Bron passed it. At that moment I knew it was going to 6 games. DG not in rhythm. Bron has it going and it was an ArC trey. Corner trey would've been cash. KCP was either screaming one more or hoping he ain't swing it. Only he knows which one https://t.co/K4p5JMTi2N
— CJ McCollum (@CJMcCollum) October 10, 2020
That was a good pass to a WIDE open 3 point shooter...if yall say otherwise yall shouldn't be talking basketball
— Josh Hart (@joshhart) October 10, 2020
Butler notched another historic triple-double with 35 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists, outdueling James, who went for 40 points and 13 rebounds in the Lakers loss. The net result: Heat legend Dwyane Wade was clearly stressed out.
HEAT Sh*T 🤮
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) October 10, 2020
After the game, players showed love for Butler's heroics.
Jimmy said hol up..🤣🔥🔥
— Trae Young (@TheTraeYoung) October 10, 2020
Jimmy Buckets came through once again🙌🏾💯
— Kev (@KevKnox) October 10, 2020
D I F F E R E N T https://t.co/TzJaEJNJzn
— Meyers Leonard (@MeyersLeonard) October 10, 2020
Finally, we'll leave this tweet here from the Heat, who aren't going anywhere.
We deserve to be here. #WINNING pic.twitter.com/9L9YLgU6kQ
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) October 10, 2020
MORE: 'I feel we should be there': Watching the 2020 Finals with the coach of the 2019 champs
