Jimmy Butler has played alongside some of the NBA’s all-time greats, but was left in awe after experiencing an astonishing shooting display on Sunday, April 20. Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry may have finished with just 31 points (far from his season high) in their 95-85 playoff win against the Rockets, but it was how he recorded those points that impressed Butler.
18,055 fans packed into the Toyota Center in Houston may have been wondering what more the Rockets defense could have done to slow down the lethal shooter. Houston had their best defenders tracking Curry throughout the night, but the two-time MVP still converted some extremely difficult shots to remind the basketball world why he is considered one of the game’s elite scorers.
Jimmy Butler Praises ‘Incredible’ Curry As Series of Clutch Shots Steer Warriors to Game 1 Win
Against one of the top defenses in the NBA, Curry had to battle for every inch. Despite the limited space, the future Hall of Famer was outstanding, stringing together a collection of highlight-worthy shots.
Curry’s most impressive shot of the night came against Jalen Green in the third quarter. With Golden State leading by 20, Curry found himself one-on-one against Green. The Rockets guard had played Curry well, forcing him into the corner with seconds remaining on the shot clock.
However, he managed to get off a fadeaway shot over Green’s extended arm, drilling a dagger that left the crowd stunned.
STEPH CURRY IS UNBELIEVABLE
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral)
Following the game, Butler could only smile as he summarized Curry’s memorable outing. The veteran forward was full of praise for his teammate, labeling the performance “incredible.”
“The shots that he takes and makes are absolutely incredible,” Butler said. “For him to know that ball is going in and for everybody probably in the building, maybe even in the world, to know that ball is going in — it’s incredible.”
Butler said the shots Curry "takes and makes are absolutely incredible.” About his fallaway third-quarter triple: “For him to know that ball is going in and for everybody probably in the building, maybe even in the world, to know that ball is going in — it’s incredible."
More: pic.twitter.com/o32r9LSW97
— Sam Gordon (@BySamGordon)
Overall, Curry converted five 3-pointers on the night. Right before the half, he sank a 28-footer over Amen Thompson. A step-back three early in the fourth quarter gave the Warriors some breathing room late in the game.
He followed that up with an incredible 34-foot 3-pointer with five minutes left in the final quarter.
When the Rockets tried to clamp down on the long-range shots, Curry was able to maneuver his way into the lane and secure a few layups.
For years, Warriors fans have been aware of Curry’s ability to chip in with 40, 50, or even 60-point nights to carry his team to victory. On Sunday, the point guard once again led by example, finishing with a team-high 31 points on 12-of-19 shooting.
