The Minnesota Timberwolves have not forgotten Jimmy Butler’s trade demand or famous practice, which is making his struggles in this playoff series even sweeter. The Warriors desperately need Playoff Jimmy with Stephen Curry out, but he managed just 14 points and was a minus-30 in 34 minutes in the crucial Game 4 to put Minnesota up 3-1. The Wolves are on the verge of a second straight conference finals appearance and getting revenge on Butler.
Butler finished tenth in MVP voting and helped the Wolves snap a 13-year playoff drought during his lone full season in Minnesota. The superstar demanded a trade after that year, and the stories from his epic practice rant are still being told seven years later. It was a messy breakup made even harder by Butler leading the Miami Heat to two NBA Finals.
Jimmy Buckets has been quiet in this series. Curry’s injury in Game 1 changed things, but Butler has been a minus in three of the four games. The Warriors need him to be their best player to have any shot, but it is not just Anthony Edwards who is outplaying him in this series.
Timberwolves are getting sweet revenge on Jimmy Butler
The Wolves defense is creating havoc for Butler. He cannot get easy buckets or draw fouls. Jaden McDaniels, Julius Randle, and Rudy Gobert give Minnesota a physical trio that thwart Butler’s drives. With Jimmy's hesitancy in trying to finish through contract, it is limiting the Warriors offense.
Randle has been outstanding in this series. He has made himself a ton of money by stepping up as a crucial playmaker and scorer. Butler is a fantastic defender, but Randle is 7 of 12 from the field when guarded by the Warriors star. On the other end, Jimmy has made just one of 12 attempts when Randle is locking him up, according to NBA Stats. That matchup has been crucial for Minnesota.
Wolves fans are enjoying Butler’s struggles. There is no Playoff Jimmy talk this year. Fans are not ready to crown him as a top-15 player. Butler is still averaging 21.0 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 5.5 assists, but Golden State has been outscored by 20 points in his 152 minutes on the floor in this series. He just cannot find that next gear and Minnesota fans find it hilarious.
The Minnesota Timberwolves are one win away from returning to the conference finals. This is special group led by Anthony Edwards with a serious shot at bringing home a championship. Fans are loving every second of it, and things are just a bit sweeter watching Jimmy Butler fail with the Warriors. Revenge on the biggest stage is always a bit more satisfying.