The Golden State Warriors suffered a significant loss at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals. With Stephen Curry still out, the Warriors were heavy underdogs, and they played like it.
They couldn’t get anything going on offense or defense, a significant change from Game 1, where they looked sharp even without their superstar. In Game 2, the role players struggled, Jimmy Butler wasn’t aggressive, and Moses Moody stayed stuck in his slump.
As Game 3 gets closer, the Warriors need someone to step up. Could it be Jonathan Kuminga, who had some good moments in Game 2? Could Brandin Podziemski have a breakout performance? Will Draymond Green stop the antics and bring the energy on defense? Or will Stephen Curry’s sidekick finally show up when it matters most?
Shaquille O’Neal Has Major Complaint About Jimmy Butler III Following Warriors’ Loss
Shaquille O’Neal had a strong message after the Warriors’ loss. He didn’t hold back when discussing what the Warriors need from Jimmy Butler. Butler has been quiet this postseason and still feels the effects of a minor injury from the Houston Rockets series.
Shaq believes the Warriors need Butler to play like the superstar who helped carry the Miami Heat to the NBA Finals in 2023.
Shaq calls out Jimmy Butler after the Warriors get blown out in Game 2 pic.twitter.com/JaQzDwdwU2
— Paolo Songco (@PaoloSongcoNBA) May 9, 2025
“Golden State’s going to be in trouble if Steph doesn’t come back. I thought Jimmy was going to be a little more aggressive. I said it before the game, it’s two types of Jimmy. The one that likes to penetrate and get guys the ball, and then there’s one that, in small spurts, can take over games. But 13 shots, I don’t think is enough, he needs to be up in that 20-25 range.”
Butler’s scoring output has been sporadic in the playoffs so far, but one could assume that the lingering effects of his previous injury might be keeping him from going all out. If that’s the case, Butler might want to make an exception before the Warriors face elimination.
Will ‘Playoff Jimmy’ Arrive In Game 3 or 4?
Is Butler still capable of scoring 50 in a playoff game? Despite being a few years older, it seems like he is. In the Warriors’ play-in game against the Memphis Grizzlies, Butler finished with 38 points, six assists, and seven rebounds. He needs a game like that to help the Warriors get over the hump.
Will Butler tap into some of that aggressive “Playoff Jimmy” energy the fans have called for? It seems likely, especially considering that the series is now tied and the Warriors need someone to step up big to keep the series close.
Butler now has time to make his mark and lead this team. Yes, Curry is the Batman of the Warriors, but the Robin has to step up until it is time for the Batman of Golden State to shine the signal and suit up.