Jimmy Butler’s return from injury was nothing short of spectacular on Monday night, as the Golden State Warriors held off the Houston Rockets, 109-106, to take a 3-1 series lead in the first round of the playoffs.
Butler was instrumental in the win, scoring 27 points, including five clutch free throws in the final minute. His game-clinching rebound with four seconds remaining helped seal the victory for the Warriors. Despite battling pain from a recent injury, Butler showed his resilience and ability to perform under pressure.
“I just thought it was winning time,” Butler said after the game. “You know, doing certain things that the team needed me to do to go out there and help win. Finally started moving a little bit better, and I’m happy to be able to go out there and compete with my guys.”
Butler’s 27-point performance came on 7-for-12 shooting from the field, and he made all 12 of his free throws. His leadership in the fourth quarter was especially crucial, where he made his presence felt after a tough start to the game.
“Your body starts to warm up, you start to move a little bit better,” he said, reflecting on his recovery. “You gain confidence, people start talking to you, and then good things happen.”
The victory puts the Warriors one win away from advancing to the next round. Golden State will look to close out the series in Houston on Wednesday, with Butler leading the charge.
“We’ve got one more to get,” Butler said, emphasizing the importance of staying focused. “You can’t let your guard down at all. It’s been a dog fight damn near every game. So it could go either way, but I’m glad that the way that it’s going is for the Warriors.”
Despite his dominant performance, Butler stayed grounded, brushing off comparisons to his “Playoff Jimmy” persona. “We’re not going to do this,” he said. “It’s just part of the game. Fun is winning, fun is competing.”
Butler also addressed his ongoing rivalry with Dillon Brooks, which flared up during the game. “No, I don’t like Dillon Brooks. We’re never having fun,” Butler said bluntly. “I’m a fierce competitor, he’s a fierce competitor. But ain’t nothing fun about that.”
On the physicality of the game, which included multiple technical fouls and a flagrant foul on Draymond Green, Butler remained calm. “It’s a game of runs. They’re going to have theirs, we’re going to have ours,” he noted. “Stop turning the ball over, and you won’t have to worry about it.”
Butler’s impact wasn’t just felt on the court. In discussing the team’s unity, he acknowledged the contributions of everyone, especially with key plays from Brandin Podziemski, who added 26 points. “Number seven on our team really brought the defensive mentality tonight, made some big shots,” Butler added with a smirk. “And he stinks. I just got to add that too.”
The Warriors will now head to Houston for Game 5 with a chance to eliminate the second-seeded Rockets. Butler’s leadership and his unrelenting drive will be crucial as Golden State seeks to close out the series.
“We’re going to go out there, we’re going to compete, and we’re going to do what we’re supposed to do in Houston,” Butler concluded.
