Jimmy Butler III is starting to look like that guy again - and the Golden State Warriors are reaping the benefits.
Over his last two outings, Butler III has poured in a combined 56 points, a surge that’s as much about opportunity as it is about talent. The volume has gone up - 38 field goal attempts across those two games - a noticeable jump from the sub-11 attempts he averaged over the previous three contests.
But according to Steph Curry, this isn’t some sudden reinvention. It’s the same Jimmy - just in a better position to do what he does best.
“The Same Jimmy” - but with space to operate
“It’s the same Jimmy,” Curry said, “but just a little bit more emphasis on looking for his shot.”
That shift has less to do with Butler III changing his game and more to do with the Warriors adjusting theirs. Curry pointed to improved spacing and more deliberate offensive structure as key reasons Butler III has been able to find his rhythm. When the floor opens up, Butler III doesn’t just attack - he controls the tempo, finds his spots, and forces defenses to make tough choices.
Golden State has quietly made tweaks to how they move without the ball and how they space the floor when Butler III has it. That’s given him cleaner looks and better reads - and when Butler III has that kind of clarity, he becomes a problem for any defense.
A proven scorer in a better system fit
Butler III has been a star across multiple teams, and part of what’s made him so valuable over the years is his adaptability. He’s been the focal point, the secondary option, the closer - whatever the moment has called for. But in Golden State, where the offense thrives on movement, spacing, and unselfish play, it’s taken a minute to find the right balance between letting Butler III cook and keeping the system intact.
Now, it seems like the Warriors are threading that needle. And when they do, Butler III looks like his old self - the one who can take over a game without hijacking the offense.
Making the game easier for a star
“He’s unbelievable when he gets under control and he can get to where he wants to go,” Curry said. “But if there’s chaos around him and the spacing’s not right and there’s no outlets, and [defenses] are able to key in on him, then it makes his job harder.”
That’s been the shift: less chaos, more clarity. The Warriors are working to structure their offense in a way that gives Butler III the space and support he needs to thrive.
And when that happens, he doesn’t need to force anything. He can just play.
“He’ll tell you he’s playing the exact same way,” Curry added, “but he’s looking to score more because we’re able to get organized around him.”
Bottom line: Jimmy Butler III hasn’t changed - the Warriors have. And that’s made all the difference.