NewsScores
App
favorite-off
LatestFor YouPopularVideos

Butler on Warriors playoff hopes: Any team with me on it has a chance

0
article-image
Apr 16, 2025Basketball

Jimmy Butler believes he gives any team the chance of winning an NBA championship, though he sees himself as the Robin to Stephen Curry's Batman.

Butler lived up to his postseason moniker of "Playoff Jimmy" as he poured in 38 points on 12-of-20 shooting and finished with seven rebounds and six assists in Tuesday's 121-116 play-in win for the Golden State Warriors over the Memphis Grizzlies.

He was supported by Curry, who finished with 37 points, eight rebounds and four assists, as the Warriors teed up a playoff series against the Houston Rockets.

Butler joined Golden State from the Miami Heat earlier this season, and has been in superb form for his new team.

The 35-year-old fell just short of finishing with at least 40 points or more in a postseason game for the ninth time in his career. When Butler scores 38 or more in such contests, his teams are now 8-1.

“I think any team has a chance with me on it," Butler told reporters.

However, Butler insists he is not the Warriors' main man. Instead, that honour sits with Curry.

"But I know every team has a chance with Steph on it. I get to play Robin. That’s my Batman," Butler added.

Speaking to NBA on TNT, Butler said: "We got a hellified Batman in Steph, and we've just got a group of guys that got a lot of fight and never give up, and we did what we were supposed to do finally."

Butler and Curry became the first teammate duo to combine for 75+ points, 25+ free throws made, 15+ rebounds, 10+ assists, five or more threes made and at least four steals in any NBA game this season.

Curry said: "At the end of the day, you need somebody that can put the ball in the basket, and he knows how to do that.

"We have to keep doing all of our parts, and you know, Playoff Jimmy will hopefully be a big unlock for us."

Draymond Green was in awe of Butler's performance.

"He's different, that guy," Green said when asked about Butler's billing as "Playoff Jimmy".

"He's different. You can just see a whole different intensity level and focus. I'm a basketball fan, you know, so I've watched it on TV for years.

"To see it up close and personal, like it's a real thing. Sometimes you get in the NBA and these guys get these nicknames and you're like, man, stop it. There's some other nicknames out there, they're not real. 

"That one's real. And I'm happy he’s on our side."

Gary Payton II had another nickname to throw into the hat.

"Jimmy Buckets," Payton said. "Give him the ball. Go where he tells you to go, and sit and wait until Jimmy needs help, or he's going to score or get fouled."

For all the hype around his postseason prowess, Butler is yet to win a championship.

"I know I want to win a championship," Butler said. 

"We'll go back to the drawing board and see how I can be effective on the offensive side of the ball. But I really believe I can score with the best of them. I don't care who I'm lined up against."