May 6, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler (10) conducts an interview after defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves during game one of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images

Jimmy Butler Makes Bold Statement After Timberwolves-Warriors Game

Originally posted on Fastbreak on SI | By Ben Stinar | Last updated May 11, 2025 3:29 AM ET

On Saturday night, the Golden State Warriors played the Minnesota Timberwolves (at home) for Game 3 of their series.

The Warriors (who are playing without Steph Curry) lost by a score of 102-97.

Via Anthony Slater of The Athletic: "Fourteen turnovers and only 23 attempted 3s for the Warriors. Difficult formula offensively without Steph Curry. They were in it most of the night, got 63 pts from Butler/Kuminga, but lost the fourth quarter 33-24 and have now lost control of the series. It's 2-1 Timberwolves."

Fourteen turnovers and only 23 attempted 3s for the Warriors. Difficult formula offensively without Steph Curry. They were in it most of the night, got 63 pts from Butler/Kuminga, but lost the fourth quarter 33-24 and have now lost control of the series. It's 2-1 Timberwolves.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) May 11, 2025

After the game, Jimmy Butler made a bold statement when he met with the media.

Butler: "We can compete without Steph. We're still as confident as ever. We gonna go back to the film, to the drawing boards and figure it out. Come back in here on Monday and get this thing to 2-2."

Butler finished the loss with 33 points, seven rebounds and seven assists while shooting 12/26 from the field and 2/4 from the three-point range in 43 minutes of playing time.

Via Real Sports: "Jimmy Butler just recorded his highest scoring playoff game since 2023."

Jimmy Butler just recorded his highest scoring playoff game since 2023. pic.twitter.com/KgywXJsPgk
— Real Sports (@realapp_) May 11, 2025

Butler is in his first year with Golden State after getting traded (via the Miami Heat) during the season.

He has been to the NBA Finals twice (and the Eastern Conference finals three times) since 2020.

Via Bleacher Report: "Jimmy Butler's time in Miami was special

-First NBA Finals (2020) appearance since Bron era
-First No. 8 seed to reach an NBA Finals since 1999
-Led Miami as first Play-In team to make NBA Finals
-Led Miami to three Conf. Finals in four seasons
-Went to second NBA Finals within four seasons (2023)"

Jimmy Butler's time in Miami was special

-First NBA Finals (2020) appearance since Bron era
-First No. 8 seed to reach an NBA Finals since 1999
-Led Miami as first Play-In team to make NBA Finals
-Led Miami to three Conf. Finals in four seasons
-Went to second NBA Finals… pic.twitter.com/rz9RRkKC3B
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 6, 2025

Game 4 will be on Monday in San Francisco.

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

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