"Afraid to shoot" - Warriors fans unimpressed with $110.9M Jimmy Butler's lack of aggression in Game 2 loss

Jimmy Butler took just five shots in 22 minutes in the first half of Game 2 on Thursday against the Minnesota Timberwolves. He had six points in the first half, a big reason the Golden State Warriors trailed 56-39 at halftime. Without Steph Curry, the Dubs needed the former Miami Heat star to step up and carry the team.

Following Butler’s 2-for-5 shooting in the first half, a Warriors fan page on X (formerly Twitter) noted that the forward looked fatigued.

The comment promptly earned the reactions from many:

“Idk man. Jimmy looks like he lacks confidence out there. Afraid to shoot.”

One fan said:

“If you're referring to him not shooting at the rim, you're making excuses for him”

Another fan added:

“Nah, I think that’s a cop out.”

@kennyworkz continued:

"Dude is still hurt, with only 1 day of rest last week"

@Unitywarrior1 commented:

"Looks like he needs steph to carry his horrible a**"

Jimmy Butler, who signed a two-year, $110.9 million extension following his February trade to the Warriors, came alive in the third quarter. He had eight points to help his team’s surge. After trailing by 20 points, the Dubs cut Minnesota’s lead to 65-58 midway through the period. The hot stretch ended when the Timberwolves dropped an 11-0 blast to enter the fourth quarter with an 85-65 lead.

Without Steph Curry, the Timberwolves put Jaden McDaniels, their best perimeter defender, on Butler. The 6-foot-9 forward held the former All-Star in check for most of the game. Minus the superstar point guard, the Timberwolves' defense had its full attention on Jimmy Buckets.

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Jimmy Butler's minutes and usage could be taking a toll on him

The grueling seven-game series against the Houston Rockets could be starting to take a toll on Jimmy Butler. The Golden State Warriors sent their feisty opponents home on Sunday with a 103-89 win. Butler played 45 minutes before suiting up for 41 more on Tuesday in Game 1 against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Over his last four games, the 35-year-old is averaging 40.5 minutes per game.

More than the minutes, it’s how Steve Kerr uses Butler that could be taxing for the fomer All-Star. The small-ball Warriors force the 6-foot-6 veteran to play power forward. He held up well against Steven Adams and Jabari Smith Jr., but the grind has not been easy.

Jimmy Butler also suffered a pelvic injury that forced him to miss Game 3. He returned to help the Warriors win the series, but that injury could still be bothering him.