The Golden State Warriors failed to secure an automatic berth after falling short to the Los Angeles Clippers in the final game of the regular season. Despite Stephen Curry’s focus on the game being a must-win affair, the Dubs fell short as Kawhi Leonard and James Harden overpowered them in every possible way.
Multiple narratives are involved in the Warriors’ loss. Steve Kerr’s curious decision not to give Jonathan Kuminga any game time when he can help the team win with his athleticism and energy. Draymond Green’s lapses on the game also allowed the Clippers to run away with the win.
While the Warriors are focused on taking down the Memphis Grizzlies to make the first round, Jimmy Butler’s injury late in the Clippers’ game might cause them to slip to the eighth seed and play a tough Oklahoma City Thunder squad.
However, Butler assured the fans that he and the Warriors plan to ensure their right to face the Houston Rockets in the first round.
Jimmy Butler believes the Golden State Warriors will win the play-in tournament and start the postseason as the seventh seed
Butler and the Warriors know that the Grizzlies aren’t easy opponents. While the Grizzlies aren’t in the best shape coming into the postseason, Ja Morant and friends should have enough quality to make things troublesome for the Warriors.
However, Butler was straightforward with how the Warriors will approach the play-in tournament: win.
He explained his stance with the media, as reported by Fadeaway World’s Siddhant Gupta:
“We’re right where we want to be. We’ve still got the opportunity to control our own fate. We’re going to be just fine,” said Butler when asked about the upcoming matchup against the Grizzlies.
He also shared that while he wanted to win their season finale against the Clippers, he can only focus on the games ahead of him. He further explained that he’s committed to helping the Dubs make another Finals appearance despite the crowded pathway to the NBA Finals.
The veteran forward—who has plenty of experience in the play-in tournament—had a strong game during the Warriors’ 124-119 loss to the Clippers, finishing with 30 points, one rebound, nine assists, one steal, and one block.
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