There was a line of thinking that Jimmy Butler didn't put his foot on the gas in Golden State's Game 2 loss to the Timberwolves because he was saving up his energy for Game 3 at home, when the Warriors were likely to have their best shot to steal the one win they need in this series to stay afloat until Stephen Curry can potentially get back.

Although the road back to glory wasn't going to be lined with roses, with superstar Steph Curry finally having a suitable sidekick in Jimmy Butler, the Dubs were supposed to be as solid a contender for the Larry O'Brien trophy as any remaining team in the postseason.

To its credit, it fought through the adversity behind a stout defensive showing and balanced offense with Buddy Hield (24 points and eight rebounds), Jimmy Butler (20 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists and two steals) and Draymond Green (18 points, eight rebounds, six assists and two steals) leading the way.