Jimmy Butler III has been heating up for the Golden State Warriors.
Jimmy Butler III has been a force to be reckoned with in the last two games, but if you asked his teammate Steph Curry, he would say that nothing's changed with Butler III, but everything has changed with the way the Golden State Warriors play around him.
In the past two games, Butler III has scored a combined 56 points. Along with his increase in scoring has been an increase in shooting. He's attempted a combined 38 field goals across his last two games whereas he'd only attempted 11 shots or less per game in his last three contests before that.
Butler III has always had a surplus of talent, but in Curry's eyes the way the Warriors were playing around him didn't always make it easy for Butler III's talent to show. Now, with some adjustments the team has made to spacing around him, Butler III has been able to play like his old self.
Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler III (10) celebrates with guard Stephen Curry (30) and forward Draymond Green (23) against the Phoenix Suns in the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images"The Same Jimmy"
“It’s the same Jimmy, but just a little bit more emphasis on looking for his shot," Curry said (via 95.7 The Game). "That also goes with our spacing around him to give him the ability to attack. Our matchups, to be able to see the floor, the reads, the gaps so he can take advantage."
Butler III has played for five teams in his career including the Warriors and while he's been the star everywhere he's gone, he's also been able to fit into a variety of different schemes. On the Warriors, he's an obvious target for defenses to close in on to try and shut down his shooting.
If the Warriors aren't doing enough of a job to support him, that's likely what opposing defenses will do every time, but if there is more of an emphasis on a dynamic offense team-wide that keeps defenses on their toes, then Butler II will be more free to do his thing.
Phoenix Suns forward Ryan Dunn (0) defends Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler III (10) during the third quarter at Chase Center. John Hefti-Imagn ImagesGiving Butler III Control
"He [Butler III] is unbelievable when he gets under control and he can get to where he wants to go. But, if there's chaos around him and the spacing's not right and there's no outlets and they'e able to key in on him, then it makes his job harder and that's where we're trying to change in terms of making his job a lot easier," Curry said.
"He'll tell you he's playing the exact same way, but he's looking to score more because we're able to get organized around him," Curry said.