The Golden State Warriors entered Wednesday’s Game 5 matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves in a must-win situation as they looked to keep their championship hopes alive.
Of course, Golden State dropped their last three games entering Wednesday’s game as they fell behind 3-1 in the series as they had struggled mightily with their star guard Stephen Curry sidelined due to a left hamstring strain.
Golden State’s struggles without Curry continued in Game 5 on the road as Minnesota was able to pull off an easy 121-110 victory to eliminate the Warriors and advance to the Western Conference Finals for the second consecutive season.
Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler III (10) and guard Steph Curry (30).Petre Thomas-Imagn ImagesThis was a disappointing ending for the Warriors after they had high expectations for themselves entering the playoffs but the injury to Curry was too much for the team to overcome.
Of course, one player that has taken a ton of criticism for his play with Curry sidelined has been Jimmy Butler, who struggled throughout the second round.
Butler ended the second round against the Timberwolves recording only 81 points and averaging less than 15 shots attempted per game in the four games without Curry, which drew a ton of criticism from fans and the media as many wondered where “Playoff Jimmy” was.
When his team needed him most, he went invisible 🎭
'Playoff Jimmy' scored just 17 PTS, 33 PTS, 14 PTS & 17 PTS in his 4 games without Steph Curry this series and averaged under 15 FGA per game.
Perhaps his injury from the first round had lingered more than we were led on to… pic.twitter.com/DSzKaNMll5
After Wednesday’s season-ending loss, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr sent a loud message regarding Butler and what he meant to Golden State this season.
“Jimmy changed our season. Flipped everything for us, gave us a chance. We became one of the best teams in the league,” Kerr said about Butler’s impact on the Warriors this season.
"Jimmy changed our season. Flipped everything for us, gave us a chance. We became one of the best teams in the league" 🙌
Steve Kerr reflects on the season, including the impactful addition of Butler pic.twitter.com/qOutdraiqL
Of course, the Warriors added Butler at the trade deadline after puling off a trad with the Miami Heat and he immediately helped turn their season around.
Golden State went from 11th to seventh in the standings and became one of the best defensive teams in the NBA after acquiring Butler.
Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler III © Troy Taormina-Imagn ImagesDespite this, Butler’s struggles in the playoffs will continue to overshadow his impact on the Warriors season as he helped them become a title contender but it is clear that he will be a key part to the Warriors' success over the next couple of seasons.
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