In the fourth quarter`s critical moments, with five minutes remaining and the Lakers gaining momentum thanks to consecutive three-pointers from LeBron James and Austin Reaves, Jimmy Butler drove towards the basket. He had a clear path for a layup or to draw a foul, possibly both. Yet, he chose neither.
Instead, Butler passed to Jonathan Kuminga, who was unexpectedly stationary in the dunker`s spot. Kuminga received a difficult baseline jumper, arguably one of basketball`s toughest shots. Kuminga`s surprise at the pass was understandable. It was Butler’s opportunity to score, but he passed, not as a strategic move, but almost as an afterthought. Kuminga missed, in what felt like a crucial moment for a potential Lakers comeback.
However, it wasn`t a turning point. The Warriors secured a 123-116 victory, marking another significant win in their playoff push. Butler, despite appearing to take a scoring break offensively—partly due to a reported forearm injury—still contributed. He finished with 11 points and a couple of assists, on just seven shots and two free throws.
Even when Butler does shoot, it often seems like he`s reluctantly doing so. Fans of the Heat are familiar with this. It`s rare to find a player, especially a superstar, who drives to the basket with less intention to score than Butler, particularly when he`s not in “Playoff Jimmy” mode, which is still anticipated. He frequently uses jump stops and pivots to pass back out beyond the three-point line. He`s comfortable playing off-ball, cutting, and grabbing offensive rebounds like a role player. This approach can be perplexing at times.
Yet, this style brings a sense of calm to a Warriors team that, before Butler`s arrival, was becoming too disorganized for their talent to overcome. Butler undeniably stabilizes the Warriors. He skillfully balances patience and assertiveness. After a key win in Memphis, Coach Steve Kerr even suggested Butler had `saved [the Warriors`] season.`
Kerr’s assessment might be accurate. The Warriors were struggling before Butler joined. The issues that held them back seem to be resolved. They are applying more pressure at the rim, drawing more free throws, and creating more turnovers. Their record in close games has improved dramatically, from .500 pre-trade to 10-2 since. Notably, the Warriors` net rating in non-Curry minutes with Butler on the court is an impressive +13.1, according to Cleaning the Glass. They were also +8 without Curry against the Lakers. The impact of the Warriors not just surviving but thriving in minutes without Curry cannot be overstated.
`Jimmy Butler is exceptional. He brings toughness and a championship mentality,` LeBron James commented after Thursday’s game. `It’s a recurring pattern. [The Warriors] consistently find a way. They always add someone who enhances their dynamics.`
Still, it`s understandable to question whether this restrained scoring version of Butler will suffice in the playoffs, assuming the Warriors qualify. It might seem odd to doubt, especially considering the Warriors are 19-2 when Curry and Butler play together, and with recent victories over Memphis and the Lakers reinforcing their success against what was previously perceived as an easier schedule.
Watching Curry score 52 points with 12 three-pointers against the Grizzlies, and Brandin Podziemski, a 34% three-point shooter, hitting eight of ten from beyond the arc against the Lakers, raises questions about the sustainability of a blueprint where Butler willingly takes a backseat in scoring.
However, checking the box score reveals Butler scored 27 points against Memphis, largely by getting to the free-throw line 12 times. Even when his offensive output seems minimal, his final game statistics often exceed expectations.
In his 24 games with the Warriors, Butler is averaging 17.3 points, six rebounds, six assists, and 1.5 steals. This season, only Nikola Jokić and Luka Dončić consistently achieve these numbers. Butler is also significantly contributing to the rapid development of players like Moses Moody and Podziemski. He is a unifying presence, instilling comfort and confidence. The Warriors need contributions from everyone, and Butler is facilitating that development.
Butler`s comprehensive impact is evident, even if some aspects are subtle. He possesses another level of play, which we`ve witnessed. He will likely need to consistently reach that level if the Warriors aim to truly contend. For now, he is effectively pushing all the right buttons by seemingly not pushing too hard at all.
Jasper Hawthorne