Fueled by Dillon Brooks hate, injured Jimmy Butler drags Warriors to spectacular win

Golden State Warriors star Jimmy Butler returned to face Dillon Brooks and the Houston Rockets in a crucial for Game 4.

Fueled by Dillon Brooks hate, injured Jimmy Butler drags Warriors to spectacular win

Jimmy Butler uses Dillon Brooks' trash talk against Rockets

The Golden State Warriors won Game 3 of their first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets without Jimmy Butler. He was still recovering from the injury he sustained in Game 2. Last night, he returned to the starting lineup, as he knew he had to help his team win.

Had it been the regular season, Butler could have taken time off, considering how badly he fell when Amen Thompson seemingly clipped him. But this is the playoffs, and he knew that the Rockets would do everything they needed to tie the series before heading home.

One of the tactics the Rockets have employed all series long is to try and rile up the veteran Warriors players. Draymond Green has tried to return the favor and succeeded in Game 3. With the series on the line, Dillon Brooks was on a mission.

In the second quarter, with the Rockets trying to establish a lead, their defense had to be on their toes. Steph Curry asked Green to set a screen, and as he slipped around it, Brooks hit Curry with his arm. The two got into an altercation, and Green stepped in to shove Brooks aside.

All three received technicals, which meant the Warriors were now on the hook. Brooks knew he could not use his physicality against the other players, which is why he was then caught trying to use words to mess with Jimmy Butler.

Even though lip readers tried to guess what was said, it is clear that the Warriors star had replies ready on his lips. That back and forth between them ended up helping Butler flip a switch inside him, and he nearly took out Brooks on a layup.

Jimmy Butler powers Warriors to 3-1 series lead

In the fourth quarter, Jimmy Butler was facing some discomfort in his pelvic region. A battle for the ball induced some pain, and he was visibly writhing while walking on the floor. But he did not take a breather and came back into the game as he understood the Rockets’ game plan.

They were trying to trap Steph Curry early and force a turnover. But Butler and another Warriors player would streak towards the two-time league MVP to get the ball. Then the 35-year-old went on an attack and drew fouls late in the game.

He kept his cool to score all three free throws after Dillon Brooks‘ foul. Then he maintained eye contact with the ball to grab the rebound with four seconds left. Those plays helped the Warriors win. After the game, when asked about what pushed him to elevate his game, he said-

Somebody said something to me. That’s all it takes. Gets me going every single time.

Jimmy Butler said

He was referring to his war of words with Brooks. The Canadian’s words seemingly lit a spark in Butler, and he overcame significant pain and physical constraints to help his team win. He knew a win would make their situation a lot easier than if it were 2-2.

Warriors can end series early to help veteran stars rest

Last season, the Golden State Warriors embarrassingly ended their season in the play-in tournament. They were being chased by the same Houston Rockets for that 10th spot in the play-in tournament, whom they are facing now in this 1st round playoff series.

Both the Rockets and Warriors had a much better season, with both cementing playoff spots, and the former going one better by elevating themselves to 2nd in the West. However, as many predicted, the experienced playoff specialists on the Warriors have so far edged ahead.

Now they head back to Houston to face the Rockets at their home. But going by how the Warriors have been able to execute crucial plays, they have the upper hand. They could seal the series in Game 5, which will then help Jimmy Butler, Steph Curry and Draymond Green get some much needed rest.

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