Jimmy Butler’s Strategy in Game 2
There was speculation that Jimmy Butler held back in Golden State’s Game 2 loss to the Timberwolves to conserve energy for Game 3 at home. Many believed that this match would be the Warriors’ best chance to secure a crucial win in the series before Stephen Curry potentially returns to action.
Butler’s Impressive Game 3 Performance
Whether this was an intentional strategy or simply Butler’s natural tendency to play passively, he came out aggressively in Game 3, scoring 33 points—one of his best performances in a Golden State uniform. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough, as Minnesota, led by a stellar second half from Anthony Edwards and another solid showing from Julius Randle, clinched a 102-97 victory to take a 2-1 series lead.
Must-Win Scenario for the Warriors
This puts immense pressure on the Warriors as they head into Game 4, essentially making it a must-win. Falling to a 3-1 deficit, especially if they have to return to Minnesota for an elimination Game 5 without Curry, would severely diminish their chances of winning the series.
Butler’s Exhaustion and Game Implications
However, Butler expended a significant amount of energy in Game 3 and showed signs of fatigue, missing several layups and failing to score in the last eight minutes. With Butler’s scoring struggles, the Warriors, who lack offensive options without Curry, found themselves in trouble—despite Jonathan Kuminga having a 30-point night.
Kuminga’s Remarkable Performance
Kuminga’s performance was remarkable, especially considering he had been pulled from the rotation earlier. Accumulating 48 points over the last two games of this series underscores his talent. However, he cannot be relied upon as the sole offensive engine in a crucial playoff game, needing to score opportunistically rather than take on a primary scoring role.
Looking Ahead to Game 4
Coach Steve Kerr emphasized that despite setbacks, the team felt confident about their chances moving forward. A win in Game 4 could shift the series momentum back in Golden State’s favor. However, sustaining performances like those from Butler and Kuminga will be challenging. If the Warriors hope to level the series and offer Curry a chance to return, Butler must rise to the occasion once more.
Final Thoughts
The Warriors demonstrated they can compete with the Timberwolves, even without Curry, but replicating their performances with limited energy remains a concern. The importance of Game 4 cannot be overstated, and Butler’s ability to perform at a high level will be critical for the Warriors’ chances in the series.
