If there’s a player who has quickly found his rhythm with his new team, it’s Jimmy Butler. Since joining the Golden State Warriors, Butler has played a pivotal role in the team’s impressive run. The Warriors currently hold a 37-28 record, including a five-game winning streak and an 11-2 mark since his arrival.
On Monday’s matchup against the Trail Blazers, Butler delivered his first triple-double in a Warriors uniform, much to the delight of fans at Chase Center. His teammates celebrated the milestone, and head coach Steve Kerr expressed his satisfaction as well. However, Butler was quick to shift the credit to his teammates.
“You can’t get a triple-double without your teammates. That’s for damn sure. I’m just happy that we won, triple-double or not,” Butler told the media after the game. With Butler’s contributions, the Warriors are steadily climbing the Western Conference standings. They now sit just three wins behind the Houston Rockets, who currently hold the fifth seed.
Butler’s impact has some analysts believing the Warriors could be poised for more than just a playoff push. Some even see Golden State as a legitimate contender for the NBA Finals or another championship, a feat they last achieved in 2022.
Butler’s comments on Buddy Hield
Known for his strong chemistry with teammates, Butler has maintained close relationships both on and off the court. While much attention often goes to his interactions with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, another teammate has recently taken the spotlight during Butler’s locker room interviews: Buddy Hield.
Following a game against the Trail Blazers, Butler was told he played a key role as a “connector” in the team’s game plan. His response, however, had reporters laughing as he joked about Hield’s struggles with the word. “Buddy said I’m a connector? Don’t listen to what Buddy says — ever,” Butler joked with a smile.
He continued, “He can’t even spell ‘connector.’ Think about it.” Shortly after, Butler turned to Hield and challenged him to spell the word. Hield began, “Connector, C-O-N…” before a reporter jumped in to help him. Butler’s reaction sealed the moment. “Oh man, don’t help him! That’s exactly my point. You see that?” Butler said, laughing.
Butler’s performance with the Warriors
While the Warriors have been thriving with Butler on the court, his individual stats have been slightly below his career averages. In 13 games with Golden State, Butler has averaged 17 points per game, just under his career average of 18 points.
During those 13 appearances, he’s logged an average of 30.6 minutes per game, contributing 5.7 rebounds and 5.7 assists. Additionally, Butler has maintained an impressive 88% free throw percentage while shooting 45% from the field.