The Golden State Warriors unsurprisingly do not look the same without Stephen Curry in the lineup.
They are struggling to find any productive offensive flow, and the swarming wing defenders of the Minnesota Timberwolves are now using their energy to lock up players like Brandin Podziemski instead of chasing Curry around for 40 minutes a game.
The Warriors made magic happen without Curry for most of Game 1, but in Game 2, it was obvious that they were quite outmatched. Now heading to Game 3, Golden State are praying that Jimmy Butler can turn into “Playoff Jimmy” and assert himself on the offensive end; if he can’t, the Warriors could be in big trouble.
Where is Playoff Jimmy?
Butler’s hard fall against Houston in the Warriors’ first-round series may still be ailing him. It was apparent after Game 1 that not only was the 35-year-old completely gassed, but he may still be hurting from his injury. Butler was basically limping around the court after the Warriors’ win, still able to play but clearly hobbled.
This is probably why we have yet to see “Playoff Jimmy” in action. Butler is only averaging 18.4 points per game these playoffs, and has a playoff scoring high of 27 points. Compare this to Butler’s last two postseason runs, and it is apparent that we are not dealing with the same player. Butler averaged 26.9 points per game in the 2023 playoffs and 27.4 the year before.
The Warriors desperately need the Butler from the past in Games 3 and 4 of this series. Curry is expected to at least be out until Game 5, and if Golden State come out for Games 3 and 4 with the offensive effort they showed in Game 2, they will be down 3-1 very quickly. The Warriors need “Playoff Jimmy.”
Butler has made it clear that he loves to pass and distribute the ball to his teammates. That being said, that is not what Golden State need right now. Without Curry to help create openings, the offense is completely stuck in the mud, leaving Butler’s isolation scoring ability as perhpas the only way for them to get out of it.
If Butler is able to create real pressure on the Timberwolves' defense, things could start to open up for the Warriors. Golden State fans should be praying that “Playoff Jimmy” can at least save the day one time before the much-awaited return of Curry. If he can’t, Curry’s return may be too late regardless.