Butler playing pivotal role for Bulls against Cavaliers

The Chicago Bulls and the Cleveland Cavaliers are nowhere near short on star power, but it might be Chicago’s lessheralded All-Star who’s the most integral player in the series outside of Cleveland’s power forward.

Jimmy Butler drew the unenviable task of checking LeBron James in the Bulls’ 99-92 Game 1 victory, holding him to 19 points on 9-for-22 shooting, 15 rebounds and nine assists. James also turned the ball over six times, including twice in the closing moments while the Cavs tried to mount their final comeback.

But by closely guarding James and frustrating the Cavs’ engine, Butler proved yet again how invaluable he is to the Bulls.

James lamented his play from the podium after Game 1, but that didn’t mean much to Butler.

“I guess he thought he didn’t play well,” the two-way star said from the team’s downtown hotel Tuesday. “I mean, he did miss shots that he normally makes. I didn’t feel like I played too well, either. I think I missed a lot of shots that I normally make, but that’s what film’s for.”

Frankly, the Bulls had to win at least one of the first two games while the Cavs were down starters J.R. Smith (suspension) and Kevin Love (shoulder). Smith, after swatting Jae Crowder in the first round, won’t be back until Game 3 on Friday in Chicago.

“They’re still a really good team even without J.R. and without K-Love,” said Butler, who scored 20 points and scored nine of the Bulls’ last 15 points. “I think even if they had those guys, I still like our chances. I won’t say that we’re going to lose. You’ll never hear me say that.”

Butler, whose scoring jumped from 13.1 points to 20 this season and resulted in his first All-Star selection, has been asked dozens of times about the difference in his game. The fourth-year guard turned down a reported fouryear, $44 million deal at the start of the season, opting to test the market as a restricted free agent. That move revealed the answer: confidence.

“He’s been a big fourth-quarter player all year, and he’s done it in the playoffs, as well,” Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau said. “It’s who he is. He plays both sides of the ball, primary scorer. Not gonna run away from things.”