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Despite morphing into one of the best teams in the league down the stretch of the regular season, the Golden State Warriors' 2024-2025 run ended on a whimper. The Warriors played without Stephen Curry for most of their series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, but it seems they were also essentially without Jimmy Butler, who was limited by an illness.
Though unspecified, Butler played at least the series' final two games with an illness, according to TNT Sports play-by-play commentator Brian Anderson. The Warriors were “surprised” that Butler gutted out 34 minutes in Game 4 with his mystery sickness, Anderson revealed on the Game 5 broadcast.
“After the game in Game 4, it was revealed that Butler was playing with a pretty bad illness,” Anderson said, via SF Gate. “They were surprised he was even able to play as much as he did.”
Butler ended the five-game series averaging 20.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, 5.6 assists and 1.2 steals per outing. The numbers were an increase from his regular-season production, but still a disappointment with the team turning to him as its leader as Curry nursed a hamstring injury.
Butler developed a reputation as a clutch performer throughout his career, particularly in the playoffs. His tendency to elevate his game to rival the best in the league earned him the nickname “Playoff Jimmy.” However, near the end of his age-35 season, the effects of his late-season outbursts are visibly diminished.
Warriors advance to free agency following loss to Timberwolves
The loss to the Timberwolves put an abrupt end to the Warriors' late-season surge. While fans would love to see the results of a full season with Butler, the state of Golden State's aging stars makes it increasingly challenging to run it back each year.
Now entering free agency, the Warriors have Curry, Butler and Draymond Green locked up through the 2026-2027 season. However, many of the team's supporting cast will hit the market, including Jonathan Kuminga, Gary Payton II and Kevon Looney.
The acquisition of Butler limits the team's cap space, making it difficult to add any big-name stars in free agency. Butler and Curry are due a combined $113 million in 2025-2026, giving Golden State almost no choice but to give it another go. Neither has shown many signs of age lately, but Curry celebrated his 37th birthday in March, with Butler turning 36 in September.
