Jimmy Butler was ultimately resilient approaching a win-or-go-home scenario tonight against the Denver Nuggets, claiming he won't approach it “any different from any other game.” Tonight's matchup, which is now scheduled to air on NBA TV due to the nature of its importance, will decide which team gets into the postseason and which packs it up once again.
Butler stepped out of his nonchalant persona and channeled his leadership, noting the attention to detail that will go into winning this game, with both teams having major stakes on the line.
“Ain't too much to say, everybody knows,” Butler said, according to Jerry Zgoda of The Minneapolis Star Tribune. “Nobody's stupid around here. Everybody knows we have to win this game. You have to do everything perfect. You want to play a 48-minute game. If there are more minutes than that, we're prepared to play those, too. But ain't too much to say. It's all about going out and doing what you're supposed to do.”
Head coach Tom Thibodeau has coached in a Game 7 before, but never a play-in, Wild-Card-style game with a potential extra four games in the balance.
“That's what a Game 7 is,” he said. “You win and you go on or, I don't want to think about the alternative.”
The Timberwolves will have home court advantage for this game and a crowd of faithful fans supporting them, along with a returning All-Star willing to do what it takes to walk out a winner.
“I just go out there and play,” said Butler, who returned from a torn meniscus two games ago. “I'm not scared of the moment. I'm not scared to take that shot. I'm not worried about anything. At the end of the day, I got to guard them like they have to guard me and we'll see who the better team is at the end of the night.”
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