Mar 8, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler III (10) talks with guard Stephen Curry (30) during a game against the Detroit Pistons in the second quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images David Gonzales-Imagn Images

Ex-Bulls Player Makes Bold Jimmy Butler Statement After Steph Curry Injury

Originally posted on Chicago Bulls on SI
By Liam Willerup | Last updated May 7, 2025 4:00 PM ET

The Golden State Warriors were able to walk away with a win in Game 1 vs the Minnesota Timberwolves, despite only having one day of rest after their seven-game series against the Houston Rockets. While a poor shooting night from Minnesota helped Golden State win, Buddy Hield stepped up yet again with another stellar performance.

However, Golden State suffered a crucial loss in Game 1, with Steph Curry leaving the game in the first quarter after suffering a hamstring strain. Set to miss up to a week with the injury, ex- Chicago Bulls player Jay Williams doesn't think the Warriors are doomed.

.@RealJayWilliams believes the Warriors can survive without Steph if Jimmy Butler can get "one game"

"Jimmy Butler has carried some other teams with lesser personnel." pic.twitter.com/YSehD75nKD
— First Take (@FirstTake) May 7, 2025

"You could make a case that all Jimmy Butler needs to do is get you one game in the next four...," Williams said on First Take. "Jimmy Butler has carried some other teams with lesser personnel...If he can give you one...that's all you're asking."

As mentioned by Williams, Butler has shown to be an elite playoff riser in the past, specifically with his time with the Miami Heat. He led the team to the NBA Finals twice in his time there, despite not being able to win it in the end. Regardless, Butler's situation in Golden State is good enough that if he can elevate, they should be able to capture a game.

Q: "What'd you learn from this Game 1?"

JIMMY: "That Steph is our best player" @JimmyButler did his 'Robin' thing with 20p, 11r, 8a to help lift the Warriors in Game 1! pic.twitter.com/k6xaTch55r
— NBA (@NBA) May 7, 2025

On top of that, Butler should be motivated by playing his former team in Minnesota, where he helped the team reach the playoffs for the first time in 13 years in his only season there.

This article first appeared on Chicago Bulls on SI and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: