The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated Jimmy Butler's Golden State Warriors 117-93 in Game 2 of their Western Conference semifinal series on Thursday at Target Center in Minneapolis. The series is now tied at one game apiece.
Butler scored 17 points on 6-for-13 shooting (2-for-4 from the 3-point line). He also contributed seven rebounds, four assists and a steal in 34 minutes. Jonathan Kuminga led Golden State with 18 points off the bench.
The Warriors stole Game 1 with a 99-88 win. Steph Curry left the game in the second quarter with a hamstring injury, but Golden State held on for the win. They allowed Minnesota to score just 31 points in the first half.

On Thursday, Butler scored just six points on 2-for-5 shooting in the first half. He made a 3-pointer and went 1-for-2 from the free-throw line. He also had five rebounds, three assists, a steal and a turnover in 17 minutes. The Warriors trailed 56-39 at the halftime break.
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Butler scored eight on 3-for-4 shooting (1-for-1 from 3-point range) in nine third-quarter minutes. Golden State started strong, but Minnesota ended the period on a 20-7 run to take an 85-65 lead heading into the final quarter.
With around four minutes remaining, Warriors coach Steve Kerr pulled out his starters. Butler scored just three points (1-for-4) in the fourth quarter. He logged 33:51 in Game 12.
Jimmy Butler's stats
Jimmy Butler comments on living up to the "Playoff Jimmy" moniker
In the Game 2 postgame conference, Jimmy Butler was asked about living up to the expectations of "Playoff Jimmy." The six-time All-Star is known to increase his production in the postseason. This is much needed, especially with Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry sidelined.
"I don’t have a burden or expectation," Butler said. "I play basketball the right way. I will continue to play basketball the right way. If that time comes where your people that are saying whatever, supposed to score 40 or 43 or 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, taking the right shots at the right time. But we'll talk about it, if that may be needed, who knows?"
Jimmy Butler led his former team, the Miami Heat, to several deep playoff runs throughout his tenure, including two NBA Finals appearances in four years.
Games 3 and 4 of the best-of-seven series will be on Saturday and Monday at Chase Center in San Francisco. Game 5 is scheduled on Wednesday back in Minnesota.
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