SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Jimmy Butler has been vocal about his busy schedule, demonstrating his urgency to leave a game for a late-night dominoes lesson. Before departing, he engaged in playful banter with teammate Buddy Hield, jokingly challenging him to spell “connector”.
Hield attempted to spell the word but was interrupted when someone nearby stepped in to assist him. Butler’s loud objection was swift: “Aww, man, don’t help him! Exactly my point, y’all see that?” Hield had previously referred to Butler as a “connector”, but Butler playfully dismissed the compliment, insisting, “Don’t listen to nothing Buddy says, ever, he can’t even spell connector.”
However, since joining Golden State last month from Miami, Butler has indeed proven to be a connector, significantly impacting the team’s performance immediately after donning his new uniform. “He stabilized everything immediately,” remarked Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone after his team defeated the Warriors 114-105.
With Stephen Curry sidelined due to a pelvic injury, Butler’s role is set to become even more crucial as the Warriors gear up for their game against the Hawks. Despite concerns over Curry’s injury, Butler expressed his excitement about being part of a championship pursuit alongside Curry and Draymond Green.
“All the value just lies within winning as a whole,” Butler commented, emphasizing his satisfaction in contributing to the team’s success. He achieved the Warriors’ first triple-double of the season on March 10 against Portland, underscoring that such individual feats are team efforts.
Curry Praises Butler’s Consistency
Since Butler’s arrival, the Warriors have won 14 of their first 15 games, a testament to his immediate impact on the team. Curry has been impressed by how quickly Butler adapted to the Warriors’ system. He expressed the importance of building a strong playoff position, acknowledging Butler’s significant contribution to the team’s recent success.
Butler Enhances Team Dynamics
Butler will make his return to Miami on Tuesday night as a key player for Golden State, showcasing his skills on both ends of the court. Coach Steve Kerr praised Butler for his well-rounded game, asserting that he enhances the performance of his teammates.
Butler originally sought a change from Miami, focused on rediscovering his joy for the game and winning. Now, he has found that fulfillment in Golden State, where he has made an authentic impact both on and off the court. “He affects winning, and winning affects everything else,” noted guard Moses Moody, as Butler’s dynamic presence has improved the team’s overall morale.
Butler, often referred to as “Playoff Jimmy” for his impressive clutch performances, aims to further elevate the Warriors’ playoff positioning. His seamless integration into the team has reminded others of his commitment to winning, stating, “I play the same way, shoot the ball when I’m open, pass it more often than not and play some defense.” He highlighted the team’s collective desire for victory over individual accolades.
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