The Golden State Warriors had one pathway, and one pathway alone, to staying in their second-round series vs. Minnesota long enough for Stephen Curry to get back with a realistic chance to make a difference: Jimmy Butler had to step out of this so-called Robin role that he has so enthusiastically embraced and actually put his Batman suit back on.

After his 14-point outing on Monday, Butler is averaging 19.4 this postseason. He's shooting 45.4 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from deep. Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody and Gary Payton II are the only Warriors with lower playoff-long raw plus-minuses.

The Golden State Warriors took what was seen as a risk at the trade deadline this season, striking a deal for disgruntled Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler. After fa