Jimmy Butler is thriving with the Golden State Warriors, a stark contrast to his final days with the Miami Heat. The six-time All-Star played a pivotal role in the Warriors’ 109-106 victory over the Rockets in Game 4 of the NBA Playoffs, giving his team a commanding 3-1 lead in the series.
When Butler joined the Bay Area squad, some questioned whether he could fit into a system that already featured stars like Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. Those doubts have been put to rest as Butler has seamlessly integrated himself, becoming the missing piece the Warriors needed.
Butler had previously acknowledged losing his passion for the game during his time in Miami, famously admitting he wouldn’t regain that joy while staying with the Heat. Now, with the Warriors, Butler appears to have rediscovered his enthusiasm—and he made it clear in his post-game comments.
After scoring 27 points, grabbing five rebounds, and dishing six assists, Butler spoke directly about his renewed happiness. “It means the world,” Butler said in an on-court interview following the win. “I’ll die for these guys. For real. It’s so fun. I got my joy back, as some would say. But more than anything, it’s always good to win”.
Jimmy Butler III #10 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after making a basket against the Houston Rockets in Game Four of the NBA Playoffs. (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Butler’s impact upon return from injury
Butler’s recent contributions are even more remarkable considering he’s been battling injury. A left pelvic contusion sidelined him for most of Game 2 and all of Game 3, raising concerns about his availability.
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Despite lingering discomfort, Butler returned for Game 4 and delivered a standout performance, scoring 23 of his 27 points in the second half, including 14 in the final quarter. In the closing moments, Butler’s defensive rebound helped seal the victory, demonstrating his ability to rise to the occasion despite physical setbacks.
Draymond Green on Butler’s grit
Butler’s slow start in Game 4 didn’t go unnoticed, even by his teammates. DraymondGreen acknowledged that Butler was visibly struggling early on but praised his resilience and leadership.
“First three quarters he couldn’t move,” Green said via NBC Sports Bay Area. “Yet he never complained. He stuck with it. I think what was most important, when the time was right, everybody on our side looked to get him the ball. When you get him the ball, he made great things happen for himself or for others. It was huge”.
