Jimmy Butler is a polarizing figure in the NBA to a lot of fans and media alike. The way Butler has gone about his time in the league has created two divisive communities of people who either love or hate the way he operates. In a lot of aspects, the six-time All-Star sounds like a more grounded figure since his arrival in the Bay Area.
That maturity was on full display on Tuesday night. Butler led the charge for the Golden State Warriors, powering his newest team to a strong 104-93 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks.
With no Stephen Curry in the lineup, the former Eastern Conference Finals MVP stepped into the role of the main guy for the Warriors. Butler proved more than capable, delivering 24 points, 10 assists, and eight rebounds in the win.
After the game was over, the Warriors star was asked about his approach to the game. The reporter question him about his win-first mentality for Golden State and whether it was something the former Marquette man learned along his NBA journey.
"I think I've matured a lot and grew into that," Butler told the media. "Whenever I was young in the league, it was always score, score, score, [and] show everybody that you belong in this league. I know that I belong in this league now. I'm comfortable with who I am as a player."
Butler continued: "So now it's always about my guys, whatever you all need me to do. Dre's [Draymond Green] the same way. Steph's the same way. All of us that have been in the league for a little bit. It's only about winning at this point in time in our career, and for them, it always has been. Not the same for me, but now I'm winning."
Jimmy Butler's leadership is next level! Always about the team!
— Lilly (@Lilly7862) March 19, 2025
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The success that has found the Warriors since Butler's arrival cannot be questioned. Golden State is now 15-2 with their new star in the lineup after this latest win over the Bucks.
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This story was originally published March 19, 2025 at 10:03 AM.