Jimmy Butler shared his thoughts following the Golden State Warriors’ 95-85 victory over the Houston Rockets in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Sunday.
When asked about the physicality of the game, Butler highlighted his team’s resilience. “I think we made it more of an effort to not turn the ball over, for one,” he said. “Then, we set some incredible screens, maybe one, two, three of them, to get the man open.
“From watching, they looked pretty physical. The game was definitely physical, and we showed that we could stand up to it, dish out some physicality as well. They’re an incredible team, definitely a physical one, but I don’t think we back down from any challenge. We met brute force with brute force, maybe with a little bit of finesse too.”
Butler, who was acquired by the Warriors in a midseason trade with the Miami Heat, filled the stat sheet with 25 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and five steals. However, it was Stephen Curry’s clutch performance that helped seal the win.
Butler commented on Curry’s incredible ability to make game-changing shots. “I mean, he’s done it time and time again. It’s not just in playoff games, it’s in regular season games too,” he said. “The shots he takes and makes are absolutely incredible. For him to know that that ball is going in, and for everybody, probably in the building, maybe even in the world to know that ball is going in, it’s incredible. I’m a fan like everybody else. He just makes big shot after big shot, helping us build on these leads. That’s why we got Game 1 on the road.”
Butler’s confidence in his team remains unwavering as the series progresses. “Our confidence hasn’t wavered at all. Since I’ve been here, at least, we know we’re an extremely good team. As long as we don’t turn the ball over and we get shots on goal, we’ll be fine. We came here to win one, and we did. Now, we’ve got a job to do in, what, two days to win Game 2.”
When discussing the chaotic nature of the game, Butler emphasized his role in maintaining control. “That’s one of my roles here: to get the rebound, slow the game down, swing the ball, slow things down when needed, and make sure everybody gets in their spots. I think everyone’s cool with that. I love the organized chaos. Nobody knows what to expect, not even myself, and not even Coach. The only person who knows what’s coming out of the organized chaos is the person creating it.”
Butler also took a moment to reflect on his connection with the Houston area, where he grew up. “No, we couldn’t afford games when I was a kid. But it’s always special to play here in front of high school friends and people I know. I got to see a couple while I’ve been here and I’ll see more over the next two or three days. This is a home away from home for me. I’m from the Tomball area, which is somewhere in this direction. I’m grateful to be able to play against the Rockets.”
The Warriors, led by Curry’s 31 points and Butler’s all-around performance, now lead the series 1-0. Game 2 will take place in Houston on Wednesday night as Golden State looks to extend its lead.
