Jimmy Butler’s Impactful Debut with the Warriors: A Game 1 Breakdown
HOUSTON — In a thrilling start to the Western Conference playoffs, Jimmy Butler made a statement in his first playoff game with the Golden State Warriors. With just over a minute left on the clock, Butler faced off against Alperen Sengun of the Houston Rockets. He milked the shot clock, executed a perfect 19-foot step-back jumper, and sealed the Warriors’ 95-85 win over Houston in Game 1 of their first-round series.
Butler’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. He delivered 25 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, and 5 steals, giving the seventh-seeded Warriors a crucial 1-0 lead over the No. 2 seed Rockets. In the final 1:43, Butler scored six points, showcasing his ability to close out games with poise and precision.
Warriors forward Draymond Green praised Butler’s impact, saying, “There were several moments where they cut the lead. [But each time we] did a great job of getting Jimmy the ball. It always just settles the offense down. Even that last one, he hit over Sengun. That’s what we want. And I think we got to do the better job of making sure we’re getting him the ball.”
Green continued, “But overall, he’s such a huge calm force for us. Just calms everything down, get us to our spots and get us a good look.”
Butler’s debut was historic. He became the first player to have 25 points and 5 steals in a playoff debut with a franchise since steals became official in 1973-74. He also tied Allen Iverson for the third-most playoff games with 25 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 5 steals.
The game was a rollercoaster of emotions. The Warriors trailed by eight points early after a furious Houston start, highlighted by a Sengun poster dunk on Green. However, they rallied to build a 66-43 lead midway through the third quarter, only to see the Rockets slice their deficit to three in the fourth.
Butler’s presence was felt when the Warriors needed it most. He made plays that stabilized the team and helped them maintain their lead. Warriors coach Steve Kerr commented on Butler’s influence, saying, “He calms things down. He’s very confident. He’s very poised. He always believes we’re going to win.”
Kerr added, “Jimmy is — he’s one of the best players in the league, and that’s what the best players in the league do. It’s not just about scoring or stats. It’s about settling the game down, having the presence and the nature to compete and win games like this.”
The first game of the Rockets and Warriors series was a preview of what could be a physical, low-scoring, and defensive-minded series. Kerr, who secured his 100th playoff victory as a coach, likened it to a game out of “1997.”
Butler seemed perfectly suited for this style of play. “They’re an incredible team,” Butler said. “Definitely a physical one. But I would like to think that we don’t back down from any challenge anyways, and we met brute force with brute force. Maybe a little bit of finesse in there, as well. I think we handled their pressure incredibly well knowing that coming out the next game is probably going to be two to three times even more physical.”
- The Warriors need to address Houston’s offensive rebounding. The Rockets had 22 offensive rebounds and 22 second-chance points.
- Houston will likely intensify their defense on Stephen Curry. Despite the pressure, Curry managed to score 31 points, hitting 12 of 19 shots, including five 3-pointers.
- Curry’s performance marked his seventh career 30-point game against the Rockets in the postseason, tied for his most against a single opponent, according to ESPN Research.
When Houston focused their defense on Curry, he knew he could rely on Butler. “Just a continuation of what it’s been like since he’s been on our team from February,” Curry said. “He has a knack for big moments, even if it’s not him finishing the play, he had a big shot at the elbow. But just the guy that is composed with the ball, he is poised out there, his presence. And if they’re going to swarm and try to take me out of plays in the half court, you have a guy that can create a lot of looks — and defensively, as well.”
The Warriors have been on a roll since Butler joined the team. They are 25-8 since his debut at the Chicago Bulls on Feb. 8. During this span, the Warriors have also boasted the top-ranked defense.
Originally Written by: Ohm Youngmisuk
