In a surprising turn of events at a recent Golden State Warriors press conference, Jimmy Butler, the team’s star forward, was visibly moved to tears, and the reason behind his emotional outburst was none other than global music sensation J Balvin. The unexpected appearance of the Colombian reggaeton star left Butler, known for his tough exterior, in a rare moment of vulnerability that captivated fans and media alike.
The scene unfolded after the Warriors’ playoff elimination against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2025 NBA Western Conference semifinals, a tough 4-1 series loss. With Stephen Curry sidelined by a hamstring injury for the entire series, Butler had shouldered much of the offensive load, averaging 22.4 points per game despite battling a glute injury. In Game 4, he played an exhausting 43 minutes, scoring 28 points, but it wasn’t enough to keep the Warriors’ championship hopes alive. The team’s season ended with a 121-110 defeat in Game 5, where Butler scored a quieter 17 points, overshadowed by Minnesota’s Julius Randle (29 points) and Anthony Edwards (22 points).
Following the game, Butler took to the podium for what was expected to be a routine postgame press conference. However, the atmosphere shifted dramatically when J Balvin, a longtime friend and musical icon, made a surprise entrance. Butler, caught off guard, couldn’t contain his emotions. The six-time NBA All-Star, usually composed and stoic, broke down in tears, a moment that quickly became the talk of the basketball world.
Butler’s connection with J Balvin runs deep, rooted in their shared passion for music and culture. The Miami native has often spoken about his love for reggaeton and how Balvin’s music has been a source of inspiration during his career. Balvin, in turn, has praised Butler’s intensity on the court and his authenticity off it. Their friendship, which has been publicly displayed through social media exchanges and Balvin’s presence at Butler’s games in the past, added a layer of poignancy to the moment.
“I wasn’t expecting him to be here,” Butler said, his voice cracking as he addressed the media. “J’s been there for me through a lot, and seeing him right now, after everything we went through this season… it just hit me.” The crowd in the press room fell silent, witnessing a side of Butler rarely seen—a man who, despite his fierce competitiveness, was deeply touched by the support of a close friend.
The Warriors’ season had been a rollercoaster, marked by the high of acquiring Butler on February 5, 2025, and the low of Curry’s injury. Butler’s addition formed a dynamic duo with Curry, leading the Warriors to a 4-3 first-round victory over the Houston Rockets, with Butler and Curry combining for over 50% of the team’s points in Game 1 (Butler with 25 points, Curry with 31). However, the Timberwolves proved too physical and relentless, capitalizing on Curry’s absence to dominate the series. Fans expressed frustration, with some even calling for coach Steve Kerr’s resignation, citing questionable rotations and an inability to adjust without Curry.
Despite the disappointing end, Butler remained optimistic about his future with the Warriors. Speaking alongside Balvin, he reiterated his commitment to the team and his comfort in playing second fiddle to Curry. “I’m happy here. I got my joy back,” Butler said, echoing sentiments he shared earlier in the postseason about finding renewed passion with the Warriors. Balvin, ever the supportive friend, chimed in with a lighthearted comment, “Jimmy’s got that fire, on and off the court. We’re just getting started.”
The emotional moment resonated far beyond the press room, with fans taking to social media to share clips of Butler’s tearful reaction. For a player known as “Jimmy Buckets” for his clutch performances, this display of raw emotion humanized him further, reminding everyone that even NBA stars have their softer side. As the Warriors head into the offseason, they face critical decisions about roster adjustments and maximizing their championship window with veterans like Curry, Draymond Green, and Butler.
For now, though, the image of Butler and J Balvin sharing a heartfelt moment will linger in fans’ minds, a testament to the power of friendship in the face of defeat. As Balvin’s music continues to inspire Butler, the Warriors’ star will undoubtedly carry that energy into the 2025-26 season, ready to chase another title.