Jimmy Butler’s so-called Robin to Stephen Curry’s Batman was far from heroic tonight. In Game 2 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, with Curry sidelined due to a Grade 1 hamstring strain, Butler had a chance to step up as the Warriors’ primary star.
Acquired in early February for the sole purpose of reducing Curry’s load and providing a reliable second option for the Warriors, Butler shouldered all the pressure heading into Game 2. However, he left fans frustrated and furious.
The Warriors suffered a brutal 93-117 loss in Minnesota, completely erasing momentum from their Game 1 victory and heading home with the series tied 1-1. Butler struggled to make a meaningful impact and seemed hesitant on the court — far from the aggressive two-way star that he was supposed to be for this Warriors roster.
Warriors Fans Unleash Their Fury
The disappointing showing from the former Heat star sparked intense reactions among Warriors fans. Frustrations with Butler’s passivity were loud and clear on social media.
One said, “the same complaints/frustrations that people had with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown yesterday are warranted for Jimmy Butler. He HAS to do more. And sooner. And it can’t just be 3s.”
Another cited his insistent hesitation around the basket, saying, “the number of times he is right under the basket but passes the ball out to someone at the three point line is making me lose my mind.”
One fan did not mince their words, “Jimmy Butler is EASILY the worst watch from any “star” in this league. I don’t even know who would be second. Getting paid 60Ms per season just to get 2 feet in the paint -> pump fake -> pivot -> pump fake AGAIN -> then kick it out.”
Others simply commented on his hesitation — “Jimmy Butler looks scared to score at times and it’s very odd.”
Granted, Butler suffered a pelvic contusion in Round 1 against the Houston Rockets, so his lack of aggression on the court may be lingering effects of a not fully recovered injury. However, the Warriors are not in a place where they can make excuses. With Curry expected to miss at least a week — including Game 3 at home in Chase Center — Butler was supposed to be the bandage that stops the bleeding. Instead, he has worsened the wound.
The Timberwolves aren’t a team that will sit back and allow the Warriors to recover. Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle have been consistently performing at high levels this postseason, and the Wolves smell blood.