The Golden State Warriors face a critical test in the Western Conference Semifinals as four-time NBA champion Stephen Curry recovers from a hamstring injury suffered during Game 1 on May 6. Curry exited in the second quarter of that game, which the Warriors won, but his absence loomed large in a Game 2 loss marked by offensive stagnation.
Curry is expected to miss multiple games, shifting responsibility onto veteran guard Jimmy Butler. Acquired at the Feb. 6 trade deadline, Butler has quickly established himself as a stabilizing force.
Assistant coach Ron Adams said that Butler “settles everyone down,” while coach Steve Kerr called him “phenomenal,” according to NBC Sports.
I mean, just the way he looks after our young guys, playing 1-on-1 with them after practice, pulling them aside during games, talking. He’s been an amazing leader.
Kerr said.
Playoff Jimmy warming up🔥 pic.twitter.com/7Cv1XcEZQm
— Jimmy Butler Muse (@ButlerlllMuse) May 8, 2025
Jimmy Buttler leadership will pan out for Warriors in Steph Curry Absence
Since six-time NBA All-Star Jimmy Butler’s arrival, Golden State has improved in offensive efficiency and free throw shooting, jumping from last to second in the league in free throw percentage, per NBC report.
Defensively, five-time NBA All-Defensive Second Team Butler has also been a standout, leading the team in Defensive Rating across February and March.
In an interview in March, Steve Kerr raised Butler and told reporters in Miami:
It’s been amazing. He’s one of the best players in the league and he’s instantly transformed our team.
Kerr said.
Despite his contributions, Butler’s scoring role is under fresh scrutiny. In Game 1, he scored 20 points but appeared hesitant to take over offensively. He added 17 points in the Game 2 loss, which exposed the Warriors’ need for a more assertive offensive approach in Curry’s absence. Butler continues to play through a pelvis injury sustained in the first round.
Jimmy Butler and the Warriors this week without Curry pic.twitter.com/qAY85rb0A1
— NBA Memes (@NBAMemes) May 8, 2025
The Golden State Warriors will host Game 3 on Saturday, May 11, 2025, as the playoff series moves to the Bay Area.
Meanwhile, two-time NBA Most Valuable Player Curry sustained a Grade 1 hamstring strain and does not have a confirmed return date. Reportedly, he is expected to miss Game 3.
With Curry sidelined, Butler, who was NBA Most Improved Player (2015), may need to embrace a more aggressive scoring role alongside contributors like Jonathan Kuminga, Buddy Hield, and Draymond Green.
READ: How long is Stephen Curry injured for? Details about Warriors Mega star injury scare
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