Jimmy Butler continues to prove he is the missing piece the Golden State Warriors need along with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green.
In Game 4 against the Houston Rockets, Butler dominated 27 points with efficient 58.3% shooting, while committing zero turnovers, helping Golden State gain the 3-1 series lead for the commander.
NBA analyst Jay Williams has failed to contain Butler’s praise for seamless integration with the Warriors, suggesting that this partnership could be the ideal situation for Butler’s career.
“This is the perfect thing he’s had throughout his career. He’s a multiplier of force and he has more steals than a foul,” declared Williams.
The numbers confirm Williams’ rating. Jimmy Butler embraced his “Playoff Jimmy” persona from the first day of the Bay Area.
In the first one, he shows remarkable discipline while shooting over 50% off the field. He only committed one turnover and three personal fouls in three games throughout the series.
With Butler and Curry currently operating in tandem, Williams believes the Warriors have reestablished themselves as a legal title contender.
He points to Butler’s track record in bringing less talented teams at the Miami Heat to unexpected playoff success.
“Think about some of these names: Duncan Robinson, Tyler Hero, Kelly Orinic, Solomon Hill, Golan Dragic. They’re in the revs minutes, and (Butler) won them in the 2020 NBA Finals,” explained Williams.
“Caleb Martin, Max Strath, P.J. Tucker, Gabe Vincent, Kyle Lowry, (Butler got them).
Williams then made a bold prediction. “Now, the best chance is to apply him to Steph Curry’s innovative players and get a chip on a veteran minded team.”
Despite not closing its first round series yet, the Warriors quickly reappeared as a Western conference favourite in the eyes of many analysts.
The dramatic improvements since Butler’s arrival have rekindled beliefs among warrior fans and NBA observers.
Butler’s combination of scoring efficiency, defensive strength and incredible ball security seems to perfectly complement the Warriors’ established championship core.