SAN FRANCISCO — Jimmy Butler certainly wanted to make his post-game plans clear, and he did so loudly and humorously among his teammates.
He needed to quickly depart to host a late-night dominoes match. However, before he could leave, he indulged in some playful banter with his teammate Buddy Hield: “Buddy, spell connector.”
Amused, Hield began, “Connect Four? Connector? … Connector, C-O-N,” until someone offered assistance from the sidelines.
“Aww, man, don’t help him!” Butler exclaimed with a grin. “Exactly my point, y’all see that?”
Just moments prior, Hield had labeled Butler exactly that — a connector.
Butler brushed off the praise, saying, “Don’t listen to anything Buddy says, ever; he can’t even spell connector.”
Yet, no one within the Golden State Warriors community would dispute that Butler has embodied that role since his arrival from Miami via trade last month, instantly invigorating the team’s dynamics.
“He stabilized everything immediately,” remarked Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone after his team outperformed Golden State with a 114-105 victory.
With Stephen Curry sidelined due to a pelvic injury sustained Thursday night, Butler’s role becomes increasingly pivotal as Curry will miss the upcoming game against the Hawks.
In Curry’s absence, Butler is thrilled to contribute to Golden State’s playoff ambitions, joining forces with Curry and Draymond Green in pursuit of another championship.
“All the value lies within winning as a whole,” Butler expressed recently. “I’m glad to be part of this winning experience. We’re playing exceptional basketball, cohesively and it’s hugely enjoyable.”
Butler recorded Golden State’s first triple-double of the season on March 10 against Portland, humbly crediting his teammates for the achievement.
Curry praised Butler’s unwavering reliability and professionalism, noting how quickly he adapted and influenced the team’s performance.
“None of us are going to get excited over regular-season achievements,” Curry noted. “Our aim is to prepare for the playoffs, ensuring we’re a formidable opponent that others wish to avoid. Butler has been instrumental; the differences are stark not only in our record but in our gameplay and winning strategies.”
Curry greatly appreciates Butler’s steady approach to the game despite the attention and pressure accompanying his trade.
Regarding his dominoes skills, Butler confidently declared, “Great, I’m probably the best in the world,” noting his daily commitment to the game.
Off court, Butler’s influence alleviated considerable pressure from Curry. The Warriors’ rejuvenated performance post-trade has earned significant praise for general manager Mike Dunleavy’s strategic gamble in acquiring Butler while sending Andrew Wiggins to Miami.
Golden State head coach Steve Kerr opined, “He’s a phenomenal player on all fronts. His court vision and game sense transform our dynamics; we play smoothly when he’s there. His arrival has been a key factor in our renewed success.”
Previously dissatisfied in Miami, Butler’s transition to the Warriors came from a desire to rediscover his love for the game and find success.
Butler’s presence and impact extend beyond the court, enriching team chemistry and locker room atmosphere, despite playfully clashing with Hield over spelling.
Moses Moody, a Golden State guard, emphasized how Butler’s winning attitude directly permeates through the team, enhancing camaraderie and motivation.
“Playoff Jimmy,” renowned for his crucial clutch playoff game performances, remains consistent in enhancing Golden State’s position as they approach the playoffs.
Coach Michael Malone added, “From his first day here, Butler has stayed true to his high standards, positively shaping the team’s culture and path forward.”
Butler maintains that playing alongside Curry and Green hasn’t altered his approach, claiming familiarity due to past rivalries.
“I keep my play consistent: shoot when open, prefer to pass, and always contribute defensively,” Butler stated. “This experience matches my expectations and dreams. Here, the focus is purely on collective victory; individual achievements hold no weight when championships are the goal.”