Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler addressed the media Thursday night after a lopsided 117-93 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals.
With Stephen Curry sidelined due to a left hamstring strain, Butler acknowledged the challenge of adjusting on the fly without the team’s lead initiator.
“It’s going to be a lot more attacking and hitting the open guy and attacking again,” Butler said when asked about navigating the offense in Curry’s absence.
The Warriors fell into a 13-0 hole to open the game, something Butler identified as a critical issue. “The biggest lesson is don’t start off in a hole like we did tonight,” he stated. “It’s hard to climb out of that hole.”
Butler emphasized his responsibility as a playmaker, not just a scorer. “Aggressive like get in the paint, make plays for everybody,” he explained. “When I’m in attack mode, it automatically places them in attack mode.”
Jonathan Kuminga and Trayce Jackson-Davis were bright spots in an otherwise tough night for Golden State. Butler praised the young duo: “Some talented pros. Pros are always being ready, doing whatever you ask them to do.”
Despite the defeat, Butler said he felt physically fine after playing nearly 34 minutes. “I feel pretty good,” he noted. “Dominoes, coffee, kids—it doesn’t change.”
Asked about expectations tied to the “Playoff Jimmy” label, Butler dismissed the pressure. “I don’t have a burden or expectation,” he said. “If that time comes… I’m capable of it. But I love making sure that my guys are comfortable.”
The loss also spotlighted Draymond Green, who picked up his fifth technical foul of the playoffs. Butler expressed confidence in his teammate’s awareness. “He knows he got five,” Butler said. “So he knows how much we need him now more than ever.”
Butler echoed Green’s sentiment that his reputation may have influenced the officiating. “I’m in agreeance,” he said. “It ain’t like he’s doing it on purpose.”
Still, Butler said there was no need for reminders from teammates. “He a grown man,” Butler stated. “He knows how important he is to this squad.”
As the series shifts to San Francisco for Game 3, Butler emphasized the importance of continuing to play the “right way” with or without Curry. “You just make the right play over and over and over again,” he said. “Me and JK could thrive—can and will thrive—together on the basketball floor.”
Game 3 tips off Saturday night at Chase Center.
