The Golden State Warriors are at a critical point in their playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, as they head back to San Francisco tied at one.  The pain of losing Game 2 117-93 is still fresh, and all eyes are on Jimmy Butler to step up and take Steph Curry’s place as he is sidelined due to a hamstring injury.

Butler responded to the rising expectations by reaffirming his preference for teamwork above individual recognition.  “I have no expectations or burdens.  “I play basketball the proper way,” he told reporters.  “I’m prepared to score 40 or 43 if the situation calls for it.  Making sure my teammates participate and transfer the ball to them, however, is my top priority.

Although Butler’s remarks might not have stoked the passion that supporters seek, his message was clear: winning comes before individual glory.  In Game 2, he scored a respectable 17 points, second only to Jonathan Kuminga’s 18, but it was insufficient against the Timberwolves’ impressive performance, which was led by Julius Randle’s 24 points and Anthony Edwards’ 20.

 Golden State’s roster has a big hole after the Warriors announced that Curry would miss at least the next two games because of a grade 1 hamstring strain.  Butler is anticipated to spearhead the offensive attack in this situation, establishing the tempo and inspiring the group.

Butler has a history of overcoming significant obstacles.  He didn’t always start playoff series with a bang, but he delivered when it mattered during his time with the Miami Heat. He had several 40-point games in the 2022 playoffs and a fantastic 56-point performance in the 2023 first-round upset against Milwaukee.

 Butler, who has averaged 18.6 points per game this postseason, is Golden State’s second-leading scorer, after Curry.  When Game 3 begins at Chase Center on Saturday, the Warriors will be looking to Butler to lead their efforts and improve his performance since Curry is sidelined.

“Playoff Jimmy” is not enough for the Warriors; they need a leader to take charge.  The Warriors’ playoff fate may be determined by the games they play without Curry, and Butler’s performance will be essential to their chances of moving forward.