Jimmy Butler: “I’m 35, I can’t remember how old Steph is”

Despite outside speculation that the Golden State Warriors’ veteran core might be wearing down against a younger, more athletic Houston Rockets squad, Jimmy Butler shrugged off any suggestion that age or fatigue is a factor, writes Ann Killion of The San Francisco Chronicle.

“We’ll be all right,” Butler said. “I’m 35, I can’t remember how old Steph is (37), Dray is 35, too. Everybody’s got to travel the same distance.

“Ain’t like we’re going to go around the world and land in Houston and they got only a five-minute flight to Houston. They’ve got to travel just like we’ve got to travel.”

While the Rockets have been leaning on the energy and speed of their younger players, the Warriors are counting on experience, mental toughness, and a sense of perspective as they head into Sunday’s decisive Game 7.

Butler has played 14 seasons for 5 teams, including the Heat and Bulls. He has averaged 18.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists in 869 regular-season games.

He was selected to play in 6 All-Star games, and has won 1 Most Improved Player award.