Steve Kerr Reveals Why Jimmy Butler Struggled in Game 4

The Golden State Warriors will enter Game 5 without Stephen Curry and without much room for error. Down 3–1 in the series and heading into Minnesota for a do-or-die matchup, the Dubs are once again putting their postseason hopes in the hands of Jimmy Butler.

The problem? Butler hasn’t looked like himself.

After going off for 33 points in Game 3, Butler attempted just nine shots in Game 4 and finished with 14 points. He looked tentative, flat, and—frankly—off. Now we know why.

“Jimmy was under the weather last night. He really was not feeling well and that definitely impacted him… Everyone knows who Jimmy is. He’s one of the great playoff performers and I expect him to have a big game tomorrow.”
— Steve Kerr via 95.7 The Game

Warriors Need Jimmy at Full Strength

Steve Kerr confirmed on Tuesday that Butler’s illness was “definitely impactful” in Game 4, where his usage dropped dramatically compared to his 26-shot outing in Game 3. Kerr also said Butler is feeling better and expects him to be ready to go.

If the Warriors are going to survive, they need Butler to channel the version of himself they traded for in February—the playoff destroyer who dragged Miami to two Finals appearances. That player hasn’t shown up consistently this series. And time is running out.

Warriors Can’t Rely on Butler Alone

The illness is one thing. The timing is another. Butler has already been battling a lingering hip injury from Round 1. Combine that with no Steph Curry, and you’ve got a Warriors team that’s relying on energy, hope, and maybe one more night of magic from Jonathan Kuminga.

Buddy Hield and Brandin Podziemski will need to knock down open looks, and someone—anyone—will need to give them a spark off the bench. Maybe Moses Moody finally arrives. Maybe Kerr rolls the dice with youth. But one thing is clear: Jimmy can’t do it at 70%.

Golden State didn’t trade for Regular Season Jimmy. They gambled on That Jimmy—the one who shows up when the lights are brightest. If he doesn’t show up now, there may not be any more lights.

Game 5 tips off Wednesday night in Minneapolis. The Warriors’ season is on the line—and Butler’s health may decide if it ends there.