Since acquiring Jimmy Butler from the Miami Heat, we have seen the Golden State Warriors start games slow on numerous occasions, only to come back late and win. That is extremely difficult to do without Stephen Curry though.
We got proof of that in their recent outing against the Atlanta Hawks. With Curry unavailable, the Warriors ended the first quarter down by 17 points.
They did try to mount a comeback but did not have enough in the tank without their talisman. It ended in a 124-115 loss for the Warriors.
As a result, the Warriors have now lost their cushion in the playoff race with the Los Angeles Clippers and Minnesota Timberwolves right on their tail.
Following the game, Butler described Golden State's effort level as 'non-existent' until it was too late. He also said: "Like I've said time and time again, when you don't got 30 and you dig yourself a hole like that, it gets very, very, very hard to come back."
Jimmy Butler said Golden State's effort level was "non-existent until it was too late. We started to fly around at the end of the game. … Like I've said time and time again, when you don't got 30 and you dig yourself a hole like that, it gets very, very, very hard to come back."
— Sam Gordon (@BySamGordon) March 23, 2025
Curry is the type of player who can turn games around on his own. He just needs to go on a little run and no deficit seems insurmountable.
It is not just about his incredible shooting ability either. Curry has a remarkable gravity as well, which makes things a lot easier for his teammates. Without him, the Warriors are a lot easier to defend, which we saw against the Hawks.
Fortunately, Curry's issue is not believed to be a serious one and the hope is that he will be back at some point during this Warriors road trip.
The Warriors' next game is certainly one worth keeping an eye out on as Butler will be returning to the Kaseya Center for the first time since being traded by the Heat.
Butler is the type of player who rises to these occasions. So, do not be surprised if 'Playoff Jimmy' makes an early appearance in Miami.
Related: Draymond Gets Candid About Warriors' 'Terrible Loss' Against Hawks
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This story was originally published March 23, 2025 at 6:30 AM.