Getty
Jimmy Butler called out the Golden State Warriors after their loss to the Houston Rockets.
The Golden State Warriors pulled off one of the more remarkable comebacks of the play-in era on Wednesday night, erasing a 13-point fourth-quarter deficit to beat the Los Angeles Clippers 126-121 at Intuit Dome. Stephen Curry delivered 35 points. Al Horford hit four fourth-quarter three-pointers. Kristaps Porzingis posted 20 points in his best performance as a Warrior.
Watching all of it from the sideline, unable to suit up after suffering a season-ending knee injury in January, was Jimmy Butler. When asked recently about his goal for next season, he did not hesitate.
“A championship,” Butler said, via GQ Korea. “I want to be remembered as a player who never backed down from any challenge. Someone who showed up, competed, and gave everything. That’s the kind of player I want to be remembered as.”
On Wednesday night, he watched his teammates embody exactly that. And when it was over, he had plenty to say. Most of it was glowing. One part of it was not.
Jimmy Butler answered without hesitation when asked about his goal for next season:
“A championship. I want to be remembered as a player who never backed down from any challenge. Someone who showed up, competed, and gave everything. That’s the kind of player I want to be
GettyJimmy Butler talks with Will Richard of the Golden State Warriors.
As Butler made his way to the locker room following the final buzzer, he rattled off the names of those who delivered on the night.
“Between Dray, Steph, Gui, Big Al, wow,” Butler said. “Will Richard didn’t do anything but he was over there with me cheering his heart out. Wow. Go Dubs!”
The jab at Richard was delivered with full comedic intent. Richard was one of four active Warriors players who did not see action on Wednesday night, alongside Charles Bassey, Seth Curry, and Pat Spencer. All four spent the game on the bench cheering their teammates on alongside Butler.
Richard did not play a single minute. He did, apparently, cheer with conviction. Butler made sure the basketball world knew about it.
Butler’s reaction captured the energy inside the Warriors’ locker room after a win that felt bigger than a play-in game. This was a team that has absorbed injuries, lineup chaos, and a 37-45 regular season, and still found a way to extend its season on the road against a team that led for most of the night.
Draymond Green was everywhere defensively, holding Kawhi Leonard to two fourth-quarter points and producing two crucial late steals. Gui Santos finished with 20 points and a game-high plus-16. The Warriors closed the game on a 16-6 run and walked out of Inglewood with their season intact.
Butler could not be out there with them. But he was present for every moment of it, and his postgame comments reflected genuine joy for what his teammates accomplished.
Will Richard’s contribution was noted. Appreciated, even.
Jimmy’s reaction to Steph’s clutch three 😅
One more win and the Warriors are in the playoffs. Friday against the Phoenix Suns at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix determines whether Golden State earns a first-round series against the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder.
Butler wants a championship. He said so himself. This season may not be the one, but the Warriors are proving they can still compete when it matters. Wednesday was a step in the right direction. Butler will be cheering from the sideline on Friday hoping for another one.
Keith Watkins Keith Watkins is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, and Los Angeles Lakers. He previously wrote for FanSided, NBA Analysis Network, and Last Word On Sports. Keith is based in Bangkok, Thailand. More about Keith Watkins
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