Kerr Calls for Change in Warriors’ Strategy with Butler
In a nail-biting 136-131 defeat to the Portland Trail Blazers, Jimmy Butler struggled to find his rhythm, shooting just 3-of-11 and finishing with 16 points. The performance raised red flags, prompting head coach Steve Kerr to express his frustration and urgency regarding Butler’s role within the Warriors’ offensive scheme.
Need for Offensive Adjustment
Following the game, Kerr addressed the pressing need to integrate Butler into the game more effectively. “I gotta find a way to get him more into the groove of the game,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of Butler’s scoring and playmaking abilities. The coach noted that while Butler’s game doesn’t hinge on the number of shots he takes, the Warriors need to harness his talents more consistently.
Reflecting on last season, Kerr recalled a time when the team successfully utilized Butler’s skills to control the game, especially in critical moments when Stephen Curry was sidelined. “I thought we did a better job last year of putting him in position to attack and create shots for people,” Kerr remarked. He highlighted the necessity of running the offense through Butler in the half court, particularly when Curry is out, to maintain control and minimize turnovers.
Challenges in Execution
When pressed by reporters on why the Warriors struggled to get Butler involved, Kerr acknowledged the randomness of their current playstyle. “We need to be more particular with getting to some sets where we know we can get him the ball,” he explained, noting a specific instance during a game against Minnesota where Butler went several possessions without touching the ball while Curry was off the floor.
“That’s on me. That’s also on our players to understand,” Kerr added, recognizing the collaborative responsibility between players and coaching staff in ensuring Butler receives the ball in crucial moments. He stressed the importance of not relying solely on calling plays, advocating instead for a more instinctual approach from the players.
Butler’s Current Performance
This season, Butler is averaging 19.1 points and 5.0 assists, numbers that mirror his contributions from the previous year. However, other factors—such as the team’s increased turnover rate and a faster pace of play—are diminishing his impact. The Warriors’ tendency to engage in high-tempo games may hinder Butler, who thrives in more controlled environments.
Clutch Time Conundrum
Kerr’s comments extended beyond Butler’s overall involvement; he also emphasized the need for the forward to be a more prominent figure in clutch situations. In the final four minutes against the Blazers, Butler attempted only two shots, both unsuccessful tip-ins following a missed layup by Curry, leaving him with no significant contributions during that critical stretch.
Statistically, Butler has appeared in ten games this season that fit the NBA’s definition of a clutch game—defined as contests within five points with five minutes or less remaining. In those moments, he has managed just 13 points on a dismal 4-of-14 shooting. In contrast, Curry has shone in similar situations, scoring 44 points on 13-of-35 shooting across nine clutch games.
While it might be unreasonable to expect Butler to replicate Curry’s clutch success, the disparity is striking. In his last full season with the Miami Heat, Butler tallied 61 clutch points over 31 games, a performance that stands in stark contrast to his current output. Last season, he notched an impressive 151 clutch points across 43 games.
Looking Ahead
Though some may speculate that Butler’s prowess has waned since his peak performance in the 2022-23 season, it’s evident that he possesses the ability to contribute significantly more than the 13 points he has mustered in his clutch appearances this season. As the Warriors navigate the challenges ahead, finding ways to unlock Butler’s potential will be crucial for their success.
