Butler had a major playoff debut with the Warriors in Game 1, backing up Curry with 25 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and five steals. He and Curry combined for 56 points, dominating on offense en route to the series-opening victory.

The Warriors started Jonathan Kuminga in Butler’s place on Saturday night, but he didn’t play in the fourth quarter as Gary Payton II had a big impact late.

The Golden State Warriors beat the Houston Rockets without Jimmy Butler in Game 3, but they will him back to advance, and not just for the warm fuzzies.