Golden State Warriors star Jimmy Butler commented on Jonathan Kuminga’s current situation ahead of the upcoming games against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2024–25 NBA Playoffs.

© Tim Warner / GettyJimmy Butler III #10 of the Golden State Warriors controls the ball against Amen Thompson #1 of the Houston Rockets

The Golden State Warriors fell 117–93 on the road in Game 2 of the NBA Western Conference Semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves, evening the series at 1–1.

Still reeling from the absence of injured star Stephen Curry, the Warriors are now leaning on veteran Jimmy Butler and rising forward Jonathan Kuminga to carry the load moving forward.

Butler, who posted 17 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and a steal on 6-of-13 shooting in the loss, took time postgame to highlight Kuminga’s potential — and express confidence in their on-court chemistry.

“He’s a great basketball player. I can play with anybody. He can play with anybody,” Butler said. “It’s all about playing basketball the right way. 

That’s all it is… attack to score, attack to pass – just make the right play over and over again, every single time. It doesn’t matter who you’re out there with. Just play the right way, and me and JK could thrive — can and will thrive together.”

Butler’s comments reflect the high expectations surrounding Kuminga, who flashed star-level potential earlier this season.

Before his midseason injury and Butler’s arrival, Kuminga was averaging over 20 points per game and looked poised for a breakout campaign. While his role has shifted, his explosiveness and ability to generate big plays remain vital for the Warriors, especially in Curry’s absence.

Jonathan Kuminga #00 of the Golden State Warriors handles the ball during the NBA game

The challenge for Kuminga will be improving his decision-making under pressure — a development that could elevate Golden State’s ceiling during the remainder of the series.

Butler’s health in question

Following Game 2, The Athletic’s Anthony Slater asked Butler whether he was still feeling the effects of a hard fall sustained during a matchup against the Houston Rockets earlier in the playoffs. Butler’s response was brief but telling: “For sure.”

Despite the lingering discomfort, head coach Steve Kerr has continued to rely heavily on Butler, who has logged over 30 minutes per game throughout the NBA postseason — a decision that has drawn criticism amid questions about the Warriors’ rotation depth.

“Playoff Jimmy” mentality returns

Butler finished as the Warriors’ second-leading scorer in Game 2, reigniting talk of his “Playoff Jimmy” persona — a nickname that has followed him throughout his postseason career.

Addressing the label during his postgame availability, Butler pushed back against the idea of carrying an individual scoring burden.

“I don’t have a burden or expectation. I don’t,” Butler said. “I play basketball the right way. I’ll continue to play that way. When the time comes when people say I’m supposed to score 40 or 43 — whatever the case may be — I’m capable of it.

I can do it. But I love making sure my guys are comfortable, passing the ball to them, and taking the right shots at the right time.”