The Golden State Warriors squared off against the Milwaukee Bucks Tuesday night without star guard Steph Curry.
No problem for newcomer Jimmy Butler, who nearly had his second triple-double as a Warrior with 24 points, eight rebounds, and 10 assists. He once again displayed his all-around playmaking with his well-rounded stat sheet and his aggressive play style with 11 trips to the line, hitting 100 percent of his free throws.
More dismay for Miami Heat fans, who are currently on an eight-game losing streak.
"THAT'S WHY YOU PAY JIMMY BUTLER $50M," one user tweeted. "24 10 AND 8 PUTTING THE TEAM ON HIS BACK WITHOUT STEPH ON THE SECOND NIGHT OF A BACK TO BACK!!! WARRIORS SEASON STAYS ALIVE."
THAT'S WHY YOU PAY JIMMY BUTLER $50M!!!! 24 10 AND 8 PUTTING THE TEAM ON HIS BACK WITHOUT STEPH ON THE SECOND NIGHT OF A BACK TO BACK!!! WARRIORS SEASON STAYS ALIVE
— Eh, what’s up Doc (@rabbitSZN2) March 19, 2025
Whether it be blown double-digit leads, blowout losses, or...both, Miami has hit a wall in the last stride of its season. Without a game-changer in the lineup, the Heat lack firepower and direction. Bam Adebayo and Terry Rozier have regressed as well, unable to be the stars Miami needs since losing Butler.
They have choked 14 double-digit games this season.
No consisted scoring outside of Herro and Bam and Spo’s coaching has been awful. That’s what’s wrong in Miami.
— 𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙩𝘾𝙪𝙡𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚 (@WadexFlash) March 18, 2025
Meanwhile, Warriors fans couldn't be happier, as they moved to 15-2 with Butler. Golden State has won eight of its last nine, revitalizing its season since acquiring the six-time All-Star forward.
LETS GOOOOO WE BACK 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/1F3WBWTxc8
— WarriorsPrayers (@WarriorsPrayers) March 19, 2025
Butler's star performance revived memories of his legendary 56-point game against the Bucks in the 2023 postseason. Another painful reminder of how essential Butler was to Miami.
Jimmy Butler always cooks the Bucks ♨️ pic.twitter.com/YYhN62Ha3a
— De🅿️ressed Warriors Fan 💔 (@GoIdenState) March 19, 2025
Jayden Armant is a graduate of the Howard University School of Communications and a contributor to Miami Heat on SI. He can be reached at jaydenshome14@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter @jaydenarmant.
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