Sports analyst Bill Simmons breaks down what went wrong for Jimmy Butler against the LA Clippers.
The deal with Jimmy Butler turned things around for the Golden State Warriors. In fact, the team continued to finish with a 23-7 record with team Butler.
Despite this incredible run, the Warriors failed to win the top six seeds in the Western Conference. Dub was handed a brutal 124-119 OT defeat by the LA Clippers in the final game of the season.
Butler had scored 30 points for his name, but it wasn’t enough to help the Warriors avoid the play-in tournament.
NBA expert Ryen Russillo believes the Warriors have no answer for Kawi Leonard despite the roster’s butler known for his excellent defense and bully playing style.
“Even Jimmy Butler, who changed the Warriors story this season, as they saw when they got one-on-one, he’s too big for Butler, too big for him,” Lashiro said of the Butler vs. Leonard Contest.
He added:
Butler was Leonard’s main defender for most of the night. However, he poses no threat to Klaw as he finished the game with 33 points, six rebounds and seven assists.
This performance was a complete reminder of what a healthy Kawi can do and why they should take the Clippers seriously as a contender for this season’s NBA Championship.
Lashiro claimed that Leonard overwhelmed Butler, but Bill Simmons had a slightly different view on the matchup.
“I pointed it out. I don’t want to use bullied words, but he was a basketball bully. He was too strong for Butler. You assume that he’s 6’9 240 in your head, but he’s not.
“Kawi’s thinking, ‘Great, Jimmy Butler is becoming me.’ He’s not afraid of him. ”
Butler had a sensational game. He shot a 12-12 20-12 from the field, reaching the 30-point mark and the Clippers. The former Miami Heatstar also gave nine assists, but it wasn’t enough for the Warriors to register for a victory.