San Francisco, California — Stephen Curry’s absence was glaring as the Golden State Warriors faced off against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 2 of their playoff series, resulting in a 117-93 setback. The loss leveled the series at 1-1, leaving the Warriors to grapple with the challenge of advancing without their star player. Curry is expected to miss at least the next two games, putting additional pressure on the team as they head home for Game 3 on Saturday.
Without Curry on the court, the Warriors struggled to find a rhythm and appeared lost against the Timberwolves. The team will need to bolster their performance in the upcoming matches to remain competitive. Speculation surrounds whether Jimmy Butler can step up to fill the void left by Curry’s absence. In Game 2, Butler was more of a facilitator than a scorer, taking just nine shots before the end of the third quarter, raising questions about his assertiveness in crucial moments.
Butler’s limited offensive output contrasted sharply with the urgency of the situation. Despite finishing Game 1 with respectable stats—20 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists—his scoring often felt incidental rather than decisive. Observers noted his tendency to pass off critical shot opportunities to teammates, creating a divide between his supportive role and the need for leadership in scoring.
Even in moments when he could have taken charge, Butler opted for alternatives, passing to less reliable shooters under pressure. This hesitance highlights a longstanding attribute of his playing style—while he can perform at a high level, he often prioritizes creating opportunities for others over taking the shot himself. As a result, the Warriors seemed to miss out on the scoring power that Butler is capable of delivering.
But what stands out is Butler’s reluctance to seize control when it matters most. During recent interviews, he defended his approach, stating that he plays the game the “right way.” This raises the dilemma of whether his strategic caution is a tactical choice or a symptom of limitations arising from age and injury. Butler, at 35, carries the weight of extensive playoff experience, which may influence his willingness to take on a greater scoring load.
Compounding these concerns is the question of whether Butler can still be that game-changing player—a role sometimes expected of him given his past accolades. Though he has proven effective in facilitating and creating plays, his scoring rhythm appears hampered. This has led to discussions about whether his age might impede his ability to thrive under the pressure of the postseason.
As the Warriors look to rebound, the stakes are high for Butler, who must step beyond his comfort zone. If he can tap into his prior aggressive style of play, he has the potential to invigorate the team’s offense. The upcoming games could serve as a pivotal moment for him to showcase his ability to rise to the occasion.
The Warriors’ championship hopes hinge not only on their overall team performance but particularly on Butler’s willingness to assume a scoring role. The gravity of Curry’s absence cannot be overstated; for the Warriors to remain contenders, they will need all hands on deck, especially from their key players during this critical stretch.