The Golden State Warriors lost Game 3 102-97 against the Minnesota Timberwolves at home. It was a back-and-forth game for most of the night, and the Warriors were led by Jimmy Butler, who finished with 33 points on 12-for-26 shooting. Butler was more aggressive than he has been in this series, and it was obvious that he needed to do so with Stephen Curry sidelined.
After the game, Butler was asked what his mindset was with being more aggressive and taking more shots in Game 3.
“I don’t care how many shots I shoot. I don’t care how many points I score, if it’s not towards winning, none of that ever matters… Next time it has to be in a win,” Butler said.
“I don’t care how many shots I shoot. I don’t care how many points I score, if it’s not towards winning none of that ever matters… Next time it has to be in a win.”
Jimmy Butler III after he was asked about being more aggressive shooting tonight pic.twitter.com/5oHhRJ0Trb
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) May 11, 2025
Unfortunately, Butler slowed down in the fourth quarter, and the Timberwolves came alive down the stretch and snatched the win.
Article Continues Below“Jimmy was incredible,” head coach Steve Kerr said. “He really controlled the game for us — put us in a position to win, and we couldn’t close it out.”
One reason they failed to close the game was Anthony Edwards, who heated up in the second half of the game, and finished with 36 points. The Warriors did not have an answer for him down the stretch, and he willed the Timberwolves to a win.
The Warriors now trail the series 2-1, but they are still in good shape as they have another home game coming up. It would be imperative for them to get that win to tie the series, and the hope is that the longer the series, the better chance that Curry can return.
As of now, Butler and other players are going to have to step up to keep the series competitive, and they showed that they have the ability to do that. If Butler can continue to play at the level that he did in Game 3, there's no doubt that he can get the Warriors a win.