Sports analyst Bill Simmons breaks down what went wrong for Jimmy Butler against the LA Clippers.
Trading for Jimmy Butler turned things around for the Golden State Warriors. In fact, the team went on to finish with a 23-7 record with Butler on the team.
Despite this phenomenal run, the Warriors failed to clinch a top-six seed in the Western Conference. The Dubs were handed a brutal 124-119 OT defeat by the LA Clippers in the final game of the season.
While Butler had 30 points to his name, it wasn’t enough to aid the Warriors in avoiding the Play-In tournament, where they have an all-time 0-3 record.
Ryen Russillo on Jimmy Butler
In spite of Butler on the roster, who is known for his excellent defense and bully-ball playing style, NBA expert Ryen Russillo believes the Warriors had no answer for Kawhi Leonard.
“Even Jimmy Butler who’s changed the story for the Warriors this season, like you saw when they got one-on-one, he was too big for Butler, he’s too big for him,” Russillo said of Butler vs Leonard contest.
He added: “It’s not like Butler’s small or like guy you would question his strength or toughness.”
Butler was the primary defender on Leonard for the majority of the night. However, he posed no threat to the Klaw as he finished the game with 33 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists.
The performance was a perfect reminder of what a healthy Kawhi is capable of and why the Clippers should be taken seriously as an NBA Championship contender this season.
Bill Simmons had a slightly different take on Butler
While Russillo pretty much claimed Leonard overpowered Butler, Bill Simmons had a slightly different take on the matchup.
“I noted it. I don’t want to use the word bullied but he was basketball bullied. He was too strong for Butler. You assume Butler in your head he’s 6’9 240 but he’s not.
“Kawhi’s thinking, ‘Great, Jimmy Butler’s on me.’ He’s not afraid of him.”
Butler had a sensational game as he shot 12-of-20 from the field to reach the 30-point mark vs the Clippers. The ex-Miami Heat star also dished out 9 assists, but it was still not enough for the Warriors to register a win.
