Despite the 102–97 loss in Game 3, Jimmy Butler had himself a night on Saturday, finishing with 33 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. The Golden State Warriors trail 2–1 in their second-round NBA playoffs series against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
They have been without two-time NBA MVP Steph Curry since the middle of Game 1 after he suffered a hamstring injury. He’s expected to miss at least one more game, leaving the Warriors to rely on Butler, Jonathan Kuminga and the rest of the supporting cast to step up in his absence.
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Kuminga also had a standout performance in Game 3, scoring 30 and combining with Butler for 63 total points.
Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler.© David Gonzales
Ahead of Game 4 on Monday night, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr spoke to the media and said he doesn’t expect Butler and Kuminga to have a repeat performance.
According to ESPN’s Ohm Youngmisuk, Kerr pointed to the likelihood of Minnesota making defensive adjustments and said he expects other players to step up in response.
A few names who could help carry the load include Buddy Hield, Draymond Green and Brandin Podziemski.
Hield has scored 14 or more in every game this series, including a 24-point outing in Game 1. Green also had his best showing in the opener, posting 18 points, eight rebounds and six assists.
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Meanwhile, Podziemski has flashed potential throughout the postseason — his best performance came in Game 4 of the first-round series against Houston, when he dropped 26 points on 9-of-18 shooting.
Monday’s Game 4 is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Related: Pat Riley Sends Strong Message to Jimmy Butler on Friday