The Chicago Bulls struggled to score most of the game, failing to score more than 17 points in any quarter, until things changed about midway through the 4th quarter.
That's when Head Coach Tom Thibodeau subbed in starters Jimmy Butler, Joakim Noah, and Pau Gasol.
Butler electrified the Chicago Bulls and the United Center crowd, slashing and scoring 17 points in a 5:53 span of the 4th quarter, including three free throws to tie the game at 82-82 with :14 seconds left in the game.
The Atlanta Hawks point guard Dennis Schroeder eluded Kirk Hinrich and put up an impossible shot over the outstretched arm of Joakim Noah to put the Hawks ahead 84-82 with a mere 1.5 seconds left, and it looked like the Chicago Bulls' miraculous comeback was going to fall short.
However, on the trigger by Kirk Hinrich, he was able to find Jimmy Butler behind the three-point line, and without hesitation, Butler elevated and got off the game winning shot, which swished through the net as time expired.
HERE'S VIDEO OF THE JIMMY BUTLER BUZZER-BEATER:
Butler has been the Chicago Bulls best player of the preseason, towing the OFFENSIVE load and leading the team with an 18.6 PPG average while also playing his usual lockdown defense, as well as, playing nearly 10 minutes per game less than he did in the regular season last year (when he averaged just 13.1 PPG).
With each passing game and as another article just this week points out, Jimmy Butler is making the case that he is one of the best young, 2-way wing players in the NBA and that he deserves a contract extension that reflects that valuation. Both Jimmy Butler's people and the Chicago Bulls front office have been working hard on coming to terms on a contract extension to remain with the Chicago Bulls ahead of the October 31st deadline, and for the most part, Gar Forman and John Paxson have been very good about retaining the talent that the team cultivates.
If Butler continues to be a monster performer on both ends during the regular season and playoffs as he has been over the first five games of the preseason, a raise would be justified.
Did you catch the Chicago Bulls frenetic comeback against the Atlanta Hawks last night? Does it make you excited to see what this team will do when the regular season begins? Tell us what you think in the comments below!
