Jimmy Butler is a different breed once the regular season ends. 2559 points in 120 postseason games isn’t average by any way, given the position he plays. In fact, he becomes so prolific and dangerous during the postseason that he’s gained a moniker over the years, one that you probably need no introduction to. “Playoff Jimmy Butler” strikes fear into the hearts of any team that plays him, and nobody knows better than those playing in the Heat Culture. Playing the Finals in the first season was again no joke. Well, a lot has come past, and Jimmy is now a warrior who played his first playoff game with the Warriors recently. But wait, not everything is under control, and Draymond has revealed what happens when Jimmy flips the switch, while Steph Curry had a strict warning for the NBA media.

Despite a relatively low scoreline, the Golden State Warriors ran riot past the Houston Rockets in game 1. Their largest lead during the game was a whopping 23 points. And they couldn’t have limited the Rockets to just 13 points in the second quarter without Jimmy’s insane hustle on both ends. On the Draymond Green Show with Baron Davis, Dray revealed the differences between regular season and Playoff Jimmy, and that 25 against the Rockets made much difference.

“You know, it’s crazy because it felt like we’ve been playing playoff basketball for longer than one game, just because all these games been so meaningful. But what I will say is he had been saying like, yo, I get just way more aggressive in the playoffs, and he does. The shots that he looks to take, that he’s looking to get to, it’s just a completely different person. The focus level, the film watching, the study, and the preparation, I’m impressed with the whole thing,” finished Draymond.

You see, Playoff Jimmy isn’t a different player from the usual Jimmy Butler. No, it’s as if Butler’s mindset flips to becoming ultra-efficient and aggressive when he feels the time is right. Let us explain what that meant during the Rockets game.

After starting with a 3-point lead in the first quarter, Houston somehow managed to fall. Reason? Up stepped Jimmy Butler with less than 10 minutes to go in the fourth. He scored 6 points, then grabbed two boards and two steals for good measure. This essentially halted any momentum the Rockets had managed to muster. All in all, it was an incredible first showing for Jimmy Butler’s first playoff game for the Dubs.

And that’s why Stephen Curry didn’t stand for it when Charles Barkley tried to undermine Jimmy. “He’s given you the ability to rest more because he’s not as great as you, but he’s a really nice second closer to have on the team. Correct?” asked Chuck. And Steph pushed back instantly, saying, “Jimmy’s nice. Don’t get that twisted.” Short and crisp, Curry knew how to guard his guy.

The closeness of this locker room was already something the basketball world appreciated about the Warriors. It seems Jimmy has managed to slot right into that dynamic. However, Chuck wasn’t the only one who had some preconceived notions cleared up after the Rockets game. Draymond Green also learned not to underestimate an aspect of Jimmy Butler’s game.

Draymond Green reveals the surprising thing he learned about Jimmy Butler

Game 1 between the Houston Rockets and the Warriors wasn’t really that high-scoring of a game. On the flip side, though, both teams showed some resolute defense in that game. However, the Warriors were just a smidge ahead the whole time. All thanks to the defensive combo of Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler. And on the same episode of his podcast, Green revealed something about his new teammate that surprised him.

 “It’s good having him out there on the floor because on the court, offensively, we obviously are seeing his greatness. But defensively, we’re able to play off of each other, you know, and we’re able to switch matchups and different things. Like, he can guard anybody.  You know, he’s strong as hell. So he can guard. He is smart. And now what I will say is, I’ve, you know, I always thought Jimmy was smart. You know, I didn’t know he was this smart,” said Draymond.

Jimmy’s basketball IQ was on full display against Houston. His ability to read the game at an elite level meant he was one step ahead of the Houston players. So it’s really no wonder that the duo of Jimmy and Draymond had one less steal than the entire Rockets team combined. And it’s also why only Alperen Sengun crossed the 20 points mark for the Rockets.

At the end of the day, Jimmy Butler is vindicating the Warriors’ decision to trade for him with each passing game. And as the Warriors get deep into the Playoffs, his contributions are bound to be invaluable. Safe to say, the Dubs Nation will be eating well for a while to come.