In a jaw-dropping Game 4 showdown that will be talked about for years, Jimmy Butler made his long-awaited return and instantly reminded the basketball world why he’s one of the fiercest competitors in the game. After missing the previous two playoff games due to a minor ankle sprain, Butler exploded back into the spotlight, leading the Golden State Warriors to a crucial 112–106 win over their Western Conference rivals.
The Warriors, trailing 2–1 in the series going into Game 4, desperately needed a spark to even the matchup. And that spark came in the form of Butler, who wasted no time asserting his dominance. From the opening tip, it was clear he had something to prove. He scored 11 points in the first quarter alone, setting the tone both offensively and defensively for a Warriors squad that had looked sluggish in his absence.
Butler finished the night with 32 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals, delivering a signature all-around performance that ignited Chase Center and gave the Warriors a renewed sense of purpose. His physicality, mid-range precision, and clutch mentality were on full display, especially in the fourth quarter when the game hung in the balance.
With just under five minutes remaining and the Warriors nursing a slim three-point lead, Butler took over. He hit back-to-back fadeaway jumpers over double coverage, then forced a crucial turnover on the other end by stripping the ball from the opposing point guard and diving to the floor for the recovery. Moments later, he dished out a no-look assist to a cutting Jonathan Kuminga, who finished with a thunderous dunk that brought the crowd to its feet.
“Jimmy’s presence changes everything,” said Warriors head coach Steve Kerr after the game. “Not just what he does on the stat sheet, but his leadership, his fire, his belief that we can win no matter the situation. That kind of energy is contagious.”
The Warriors as a whole looked rejuvenated with Butler back in the fold. Klay Thompson added 21 points, while Draymond Green controlled the glass and orchestrated the defense with his usual intensity. Stephen Curry, despite a quiet night by his standards, hit a clutch three late in the game to help seal the win, finishing with 15 points and 8 assists.
Butler’s return also brought a defensive tenacity that had been sorely missed. He spent much of the night guarding the opposing team’s top scorer, limiting him to just 5-of-17 shooting from the field. The Warriors’ team defense followed his lead, forcing 17 turnovers and holding their opponent to 42% shooting overall.
For Butler, it was more than just a game. It was a statement.
“I heard the noise. I heard the doubt,” Butler said postgame. “People questioned whether I’d be ready, whether I’d be the same. But I don’t play to prove people wrong—I play to win. That’s all I care about.”
The victory tied the series at 2–2 and shifted the momentum squarely back in Golden State’s favor heading into a pivotal Game 5. With Butler back and performing at an elite level, the Warriors suddenly look like a team ready to make another deep postseason run.
Fans on social media erupted with praise for Butler’s performance. The hashtag #PlayoffJimmy trended globally within minutes of the final buzzer, with highlight reels of his fourth-quarter dominance spreading across platforms like wildfire.
Whether you’re a fan of the Warriors or not, one thing is certain: when Jimmy Butler is locked in, few players in the league can match his fire, his grit, and his will to win. Game 4 was a powerful reminder of that—and the Warriors are reaping the rewards.
Game 5 is shaping up to be an epic battle, but with @jimmybutler back in full force, Golden State has every reason to believe.
