Jimmy Butler makes new ‘Playoff Jimmy’ announcement after Warriors’ Game 2 defeat vs. Timberwolves
Context:
Jimmy Butler's performance as a key scorer in the Golden State Warriors' Western Conference Semi-Final series against the Minnesota Timberwolves was under scrutiny, especially in the absence of Stephen Curry who suffered a hamstring injury. Despite Butler's strong playoff reputation, he played conservatively during the Warriors' 117-93 loss, contributing 17 points, seven rebounds, and four assists. The series is tied 1-1, and Butler addressed media questions about handling expectations and his readiness to step up if necessary. The Warriors may need Butler to increase his scoring attempts to compensate for Curry's absence and secure a win against the Timberwolves. Butler has been a significant contributor in the playoffs, averaging 18.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 5.4 assists over the first eight games, as the team aims to maximize the remaining years of Curry's career.
Dive Deeper:
Jimmy Butler's role as a scorer became critical for the Warriors in their series against the Timberwolves, following Stephen Curry's hamstring injury that sidelined him for at least a week.
In Game 2, despite his reputation as a standout playoff performer, Butler showed a more cautious approach, scoring 17 points with additional contributions in rebounds and assists.
The series is now tied 1-1, and Butler, who has been dubbed 'Playoff Jimmy', spoke about playing basketball the right way and his openness to taking on a bigger scoring role if needed.
The absence of Curry, a pivotal player for the Warriors, necessitates Butler to potentially step up his game further to help the team advance past the Timberwolves into the Western Conference Finals.
Butler has been a strong presence in the playoffs so far, averaging notable statistics, and his performance could be crucial for the Warriors as they look to leverage what's left of Curry's illustrious career.
Jimmy Butler's assertiveness as a scorer in the absence of Stephen Curry was a major talking point heading into Game 2 of the Golden State Warriors' Western Conference Semi-Final series against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The 35-year-old playoff riser finished the contest with 17 points, seven rebounds and four assists while connecting on just three of his five attempts from the free throw line. As one of the greatest postseason performers in recent NBA history, Butler appeared slightly gun-shy throughout the Warriors' eventual 117-93 blowout loss to the Timberwolves on Thursday night.
With the series now tied 1-1 heading back to the Bay, the ex-Miami Heat star and 2023 Eastern Conference Finals MVP was questioned by media members after Game 2 with regard to handling postseason expectations while garnering the famous 'Playoff Jimmy' moniker, and previously showcasing his scoring ability in pressure-filled games.
"I don’t have a burden or expectation," Butler told reporters during his post-game media availability Thursday night, as shared by 95.7 The Game via Twitter/X.
"I play basketball the right way. I will continue to play basketball the right way."
"If that time comes where your people that are saying whatever, supposed to score 40 or whatever the case may be. I’m capable of it. I can do it."
"But I love making sure my guys are comfortable. Passing the ball to them."
"But we'll talk about it. If that may be needed, who knows?"
The 14-year veteran undoubtedly takes a massive jump in productivity in the playoffs, and the Warriors may urge Butler to increase his shot attempt figure as the team's immediate future grows more uncertain with each passing day.
Golden State's 4-time NBA champion and 2022 NBA Finals MVP Curry suffered a Grade 1 hamstring strain during Game 1 of their series against Minnesota on Tuesday night, keeping the star out of action for at least one week.
If the all-time great scorer is missing from the lineup for the next few games or even potentially the rest of the series, they'll surely need 'Playoff Jimmy' to arrive if they desire to skate past the young, hungry Timberwolves and advance to the Western Conference Finals.
Through his first eight games in the 2025 NBA Playoffs, Butler has contributed 18.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 1.4 steals for a Golden State team looking to capitalize on the twilight years of Curry's illustrious career.
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