Two nights removed from attempting 26 shots in Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals, Jimmy Butler went just 5 of 9 in the Warriors' Game 4 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday night at Chase Center.
Butler finished with 14 points, six rebounds, three assists and one block, and was a game-low minus-30 in plus/minus rating in 34 minutes as Golden State fell to 3-1 in the best-of-seven NBA playoff series.
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WATCH HEREWarriors coach Steve Kerr anticipates a more aggressive Butler Wednesday night in Minnesota, as the Warriors face elimination in a do-or-die Game 5.
"I don't have to say a whole lot to Jimmy," Kerr told reporters Monday night. "We collaborate all the time and we talk about ideas. I always feel like he has a great sense for the game. And he does whatever's necessary to win. He's proven that. Not only here since we traded for him, but over the years.
"He knows what's needed. I'm confident that Game 5 -- he's the ultimate competitor, he'll be ready to roll."
The Warriors' offense took a major hit ever since losing superstar point guard Steph Curry, who sustained a Grade 1 left hamstring strain in Game 1 against the Timberwolves.
Since Curry's been sidelined, Butler was supposed to be the guy to step up in his absence. He did so in Game 3 alongside Jonathan Kuminga, as the two combined for 63 points in a late loss.
Golden State Warriors
But nine shot attempts just won't cut it.
Kerr knows it, and he'll work to make the necessary adjustments for Game 5.
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SIGN UP "Well, he wasn't as aggressive tonight, but I didn't see a lot of openings either," Kerr said. "Ideally, we could put more shooting around him to open up the floor a little bit. But with Steph out, we're not going to be able to do as much of that.
"With that said, we'll look at the tape and see where we can find some openings for him and I know he'll be aggressive for Game 5."
