The Golden State Warriors are in a tough spot as they try to win games without superstar guard Stephen Curry who is out with a quad injury. However, the solution may already be staring them straight in the face.
On Saturday against the New Orleans Pelicans, Jimmy Butler did exactly what he was brought in to do when the Warriors made the big trade for the 6x All-Star last season. Butler took over the game and ran Golden State's offense for much of the contest.
Warriors need Jimmy Butler to step up in Stephen Curry's absence
When all was said and done, Butler made seven of 15 shots from the field and scored 24 points with eight rebounds and 10 assists in 37 gritty minutes. He also got to the free throw line a lot, making 10 of 14 attempts which is a huge but often undervalued part of his game.
It's easy to say that as long as Butler produces that while Curry is out, the Warriors will be fine. It can't be underestimated though just how much they need Butler to be the best version of himself given he has the skill to take over a game and impose his will while using a high basketball-IQ.
Of course, a solid performance against the New Orleans Pelicans is not going to make anyone believe that the Warriors have moved beyond their struggles. Especially not when their next opponent is the Oklahoma City Thunder who look like they are nearly unstoppable right now.
If the Warriors are going to have any semblance of a chance in that game, Butler is going to have to be in rare form like he was against New Orleans. Even if he is on point, he cannot do it alone.
Against a team as stout as the Thunder, Butler is going to need help. It will take a complete-team effort and probably a poor shooting night from Oklahoma City to have a real legitimate chance.
But even if they lose to the Thunder, the Warriors have a good chance to figure out how they can be the most efficient without Curry on the floor. Even when he the 37-year-old is healthy, Golden State need to address the non-Curry minutes and how they can be productive offensively.
The Warriors have always struggled to figure out the best way to succeed when Curry is on the bench, largely because of just how potent of an offensive force he is and with their system subsequently built around him.
Butler is obviously the guy who has to step up, but maybe with Curry nursing his injury the Warriors can find some sort of combination that works without their best player on the floor.