The Golden State Warriors secured a spot in the 2025 NBA Playoffs as the seventh seed in the Western Conference following a win over the Memphis Grizzlies. Stephen Curry stole the show with a fourth-quarter takeover, but that game was also the latest example of how Jimmy Butler can raise his level when the stakes are highest.
Butler finished with 38 points (12-20 FG, 2-4 3PT, 12-18 FT), seven rebounds, six assists and three steals in 40 minutes during Tuesday’s 121-116 win over the Grizzlies. The star forward took advantage of the defensive matchup, as he was squared up against Zach Edey.
Steve Kerr and the Warriors correctly predicted that the Grizzlies would plant their starting center, the 7-foot-4 Zach Edey, on Butler, instructing the rookie big man to prevent Butler from sneaking into the paint. However, Butler embraced the challenge and asked Kerr to design plays for him, as he was convinced he’d be able to handle the assignment.
“He just told me: ‘I don’t care who guards me. Just give me space. Give me the ball. I’ll make something happen,” Kerr said, according to Anthony Slater of The Athletic. Butler’s response to that defensive assignment was a 38-point masterpiece — his most productive night as a Warrior at the exact time he was needed most.
As Kerr said after the game, “That’s the beauty of Jimmy.” The star forward is confident in the Warriors’ chances of making a deep playoff run despite the fact that they will match up against the No. 2 seed in the West, the Houston Rockets. That series will start Sunday.
“I think any team has a chance with me on it,” Butler said. “But I know every team has a chance with Steph on it. I get to play Robin. That’s my Batman.” Curry finished with 37 points, eight rebounds, four assists and one steal over 39 minutes Tuesday.
This 38-point outing was just the latest example of Butler being “Playoff Jimmy”. He has 15 postseason performances with at least 30 points, including a 56-point majestic effort against the Bucks in 2023. He also has racked up 19 double-doubles and three triple-doubles in his postseason career. The Warriors will need Butler to be at his best during the playoff run because the Rockets will pose a tougher matchup.
Golden State can breathe easy, though. With Playoff Jimmy on the roster and leading the way on offense alongside Curry, the Warriors can go toe-to-toe with any team in the Western Conference.
