In a crucial Game 3 defeat to the Minnesota Timberwolves, Jimmy Butler gave a candid assessment of the Golden State Warriors’ performance. Despite his 33 points, seven assists, and seven rebounds, Butler expressed frustration at the team’s late-game struggles.
“We probably just didn’t get the shots that we wanted to get and turned the ball over a few times,” said Butler. “We didn’t contest shots, didn’t take the three out of the game, and then that was it.”
Butler also noted the impact of Draymond Green’s foul troubles, acknowledging that the Warriors missed his defensive presence. “Obviously, he’s one of the top defenders in the world,” Butler said. “When he’s out, it’s just different. You don’t got nobody back there that’s quarterbacking the way that he does it.”
While the Warriors fought hard without Stephen Curry, who missed his second consecutive game due to a strained left hamstring, Butler was focused on improving his team’s play. “We can compete without Steph,” he remarked, staying confident heading into Game 4. “We’re still as confident as ever. We’re going to go back to the film and figure it out.”
Butler also reflected on his aggressive playstyle, noting that he doesn’t care how many shots he takes if they aren’t contributing to a win. “If it’s not towards winning, none of that ever matters,” he stated. His high usage rate, with 26 shots, was a product of the urgency to lead the Warriors in Curry’s absence, but his focus remains on the ultimate goal—victory.
Despite the loss, Butler remains optimistic, stating, “If we don’t win, we damn sure got to worry about getting Steph back this year. We got to put our big boy pants on and go out there and compete at a high level.”
Butler also praised his teammate Jonathan Kuminga, who contributed 30 points off the bench. “Me and him can thrive together,” said Butler. “He did so many good things out there on the floor, and I know that he’s going to be a huge part in us winning on Monday.”
The Warriors will need to regroup quickly ahead of Game 4, where the urgency will be high. Butler, however, has a simple message for his team: “You go out there and you play basketball… and leave all the noise up to me, Dray, Steph, and the coaching staff.”
