Jimmy Butler Comments on Warriors’ Playoff Hopes Without Steph Curry

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Robert Marvi | Last updated May 11, 2025 3:27 AM ET

Without Stephen Curry, who has missed the last two games of the Western Conference semifinals with a hamstring strain, the Golden State Warriors have been struggling.

They have lost the last two games of the series to the Minnesota Timberwolves after taking Game 1. On Saturday in Game 3, they scored just 42 points in the first half, and although they were competitive afterward, they fell apart in the final moments and lost by a final score of 102-97.

Jimmy Butler tried to carry Golden State with 33 points, but he didn't get enough help from enough teammates. Game 4 will now be a very pivotal game for the team, and he sent a simple message on Saturday.

"It's always get a win," he said. "If we don't win, we damn sure don't have to worry about getting Steph back this year. We gotta put our big boy pants on and go out there and compete at a high level"

Jimmy on playing w/o Steph:

"It's always get a win. If we don't win, we damn sure don't have to worry about getting Steph back this year. We gotta put our big boy pants on and go out there and compete at a high level" pic.twitter.com/nnxsXRj5CR
— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) May 11, 2025

Anytime a superstar is out with an injury, his team will be in trouble. But Curry does so much for the Warriors that they have suffered greatly without him.

He's not only their best scoring threat — he's also a magnificent ball-handler, facilitator and penetrator, and thus his mere presence makes life easier for all of his teammates.

In Game 3, forward Jonathan Kuminga pumped in 30 points on 11-of-18 shooting. But only three Warriors players got into double figures in scoring, and as a team, the Warriors shot just 43.2% from the field.

On the other side, Anthony Edwards, the Timberwolves' budding superstar guard, poured in 36 points, and big man Julius Randle posted a triple-double with 24 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds.

Game 4 will take place at Chase Center in San Francisco on Monday. Curry, who got injured in Game 1, is expected to be out until at least Game 5.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: