The Golden State Warriors kicked off their season in style, securing a 119-109 victory against the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday, Oct. 21. Leading the charge was none other than Jimmy Butler, who delivered a masterclass performance, controlling the game’s tempo, attacking the basket with ferocity, and showcasing his prowess at the free-throw line, where he went a perfect 16-for-16.
In a surprising revelation during his postgame press conference, Butler spilled the beans on a bold bet he made with teammate Draymond Green. The wager? Butler aims to outshine Stephen Curry—yes, the Stephen Curry—in free-throw shooting percentage by the end of the season.
“I got a bet with— I don’t think it’s a bad bet, but it’s kind of a bad bet—with Dre (Draymond Green) that I got to shoot a better percentage than number 30 on our team,” Butler said with confidence. “Of course, I think I can… I shot double the amount that he did, too. So I think I can do it. If he goes eight for eight, I should be able to go 16 for 16 most nights. Every night.”
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Last season, Butler shot an impressive 84.2% from the free-throw line, with his career-best performance coming in 2022 at 87% on eight attempts per game. To win this bet against Green and surpass Curry, a sharpshooter renowned for his precision, Butler will likely need to deliver a career-defining performance at the charity stripe. However, his flawless showing against the Lakers suggests he’s more than up for the challenge.
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr was quick to praise Butler’s impact in the win over the Lakers, highlighting how the star provides much-needed balance to the team’s dynamic rotation.
“He provides that stability, the ability to get fouled and go to the line and settle the game down,” Kerr said. “He never turns the ball over, so he just controls the game out there for us. And we need that. We’ve always been at our best when we can provide the support for Draymond and Steph’s chaos with some stability.”
Kerr drew parallels between Butler and former Warriors greats like Andre Iguodala and Shaun Livingston, emphasizing his ability to anchor the team amidst the frenetic energy of Curry and Green. “That’s what Andre did. Shaun Livingston. Because the chaos is really powerful, but it can also get away from us. And Jimmy just settles us down. And I thought he did a great job of that tonight.”
Since joining the Warriors ahead of last season’s Feb. 5 trade deadline, Butler has proven to be a vital cog in the team’s machine. His seamless integration into the roster has raised expectations, with hopes high that he’ll maintain this level of impact as the season progresses and the playoffs loom.
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Butler’s addition to the Warriors has been nothing short of a game-changer. His aggressive, attacking style complements the space created by Curry’s gravitational pull on the court. With Butler on the floor, Golden State now has a direct, rim-attacking option to exploit rotating defenses, adding a new dimension to their offense.
Moreover, Butler’s playmaking ensures the ball keeps moving in the Warriors’ signature free-flowing style. His ability to read the game and make smart decisions enhances the team’s chemistry, making him an ideal fit alongside Curry, Green, and the rest of the roster. As the Warriors’ new additions settle in and the team builds cohesion, Butler’s presence is expected to yield dividends throughout the season.
While Butler’s bet with Green adds a fun, competitive wrinkle to the season, his true impact will be measured by the Warriors’ success on the court. If Kerr’s squad can harness Butler’s skills and make a deep playoff run, his contributions could be the key to another championship banner in Golden State. For now, fans will be watching closely—not just for the wins, but to see if Butler can outshoot Curry at the line and win his wager with Green.